benefits of nature

GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Grounding with Kids – The Benefits of Earthing for Kids
- March 27, 2024
Children today are more stressed and anxious than ever. With all the changes, conflicts, and uncertainty in the world right now, taking care of our kids’ mental health should be on the top of our priority list. One of the easiest ways to help calm anxiety (in both kids and adults) is by spending time outside in nature. The healing power of nature is immense and the benefits of the outdoors are incredible for physical and mental health. Today, Tiffany Griffin (Texas homeschooling mom and photographer) is here to discuss one easy way to help kids connect to the earth with grounding. She explains what grounding is, what the benefits are, and ways your kids can recharge and reap the benefits of mother nature.

Connecting with nature

Do you know that feeling when looking at a beautiful mountain ridge? Or the way your mind eases when you hear the soft rippling flow of stream? That is Mother Nature doing her best work. Just the experience of being in and surrounded by nature is healing. Research has shown (and mental health professionals agree) that spending time in green (and blue) spaces is good for the mind, body, and soul.

Now, imagine what that would do for you and your children if you were to physically connect yourself to the earth outside of your visual experience. Instead of just being in nature, you’re touching it as a full sensory experience. That’s what grounding (earthing) is all about.

The ground we walk on is full of positively charged ions, just waiting to realign your electrical energy. The Earth is like a gigantic battery that contains a natural, subtle electrical charge. Our entire world is beautifully electrical, and we are electrical beings made of atoms living amongst a plethora of other electrical beings! Everything on this planet is made of atoms, meaning everything has a positive, negative, or neutral charge. For safety and stability, almost everything in the electrical world is connected to the earth and its charge.

Unfortunately, when your body’s overall charge is off, chemical reactions happen that shouldn’t. We are – in short, a variety of chemical reactions. Think of yourself as a LONG-lasting battery. You can keep going, but you NEED a recharge every now and then. Mother Nature has the ultimate remedy for you when you’re feeling off or need recharging. Enter – grounding.

For additional information on electrical charges and free radicals, check out this post from The Earthing Institute.

Photo credit: @kristcx

What is grounding?

When your body is in direct contact with the earth, without any disruption, like shoes or carpet – that is grounding. Earthing is the intentional practice of allowing your bare skin to be in contact with the earth. Earthing happens when you walk on the ground with bare feet, touch a tree, or lie in the grass.

The act of grounding (also called earthing) is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. This means that when you physically touch the ground, electrical charges are transferred from the earth to you, positively affecting your body. The energy from the earth nurtures and balances your body at the deepest levels, decreasing inflammation, pain, stress, and fatigue.

This is true for children as well! Children can practice earthing by just touching the earth as much as possible. Building sand castles, making tree forts, helping in the garden, swimming in the lake or ocean are all ways kids can be exposed to the earth’s healing energy. Sitting or walking on the concrete is another way to connect to the ground as concrete is moist and conductive. The more extensive and longer periods of time children spend touching the earth, the greater the benefits, which in turn encourages self-regulation and releases negative feelings.

In simple terms – go outside, take your shoes off, and make direct contact! It’s good for you and the best way to “ground.”

Benefits of grounding for kids

People all over the world in diverse cultures have talked about the benefits of grounding (earthing) and how to improve their health and well-being from being barefoot on the earth for thousands of years. Although this may seem new to some, it is really prevalent in other cultures and has been around for centuries.

When you are grounded to the earth, you feel centered, strong, solid, balanced, stable, less tense, and less stressed. Grounding has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve emotional regulation, and decrease pain. It’s been connected with improving heart rate, stress levels, sleep, healing, and immunity.

While grounding does wonders for an adult, imagine how important this practice is for our generation of children? These days, just the act of relying on the earth for any form of healing feels like an act of rebellion. If you’re reading this and thinking it’s way too “woo woo” and granola for you, you’re not alone! It does sound a bit crazy. But trust me and hear me out.

Photo credit: @roaminggonzalez

Connection to the earth

Far fewer things can provide to our mind, body, and soul what mother nature can in her raw form. We know just being outside is good for us – it provides us with vitamin D, which triggers an anti-microbial response. It helps us relax, makes us more creative, and decreases stress levels.

Connecting physically with the Earth takes that a step farther, providing even more amazing benefits. Allowing your children to be exposed to dirt exposes them to a variety of bacteria and microorganisms that boost the immune system, reduce allergies, and works as an all-natural anti-depressant and stress management. Earthing helps you to sleep better, lessens anxiety and depression, helps your body heal, reduces inflammation and blood pressure, relieves muscle and joint pain, increases energy while promoting calmness, and enhances overall health.

Not only is grounding/earthing beneficial, but it is also crucial for raising healthy and mentally strong children. How amazing is it that we can turn an entire day around by just placing our feet on the earth!?

Grounding ideas for kids

Incorporating earthing into your child’s routine can be a delightful and enriching experience. Now that you know why grounding is so important and what it can do for you, here are a few ways you can experience the benefits of grounding and earthing with your children. Here are some practical and creative grounding exercises, grounding activities and grounding techniques to help your kids connect with the Earth and reap the benefits of grounding:

1. Barefoot nature walk

The easiest way to experience grounding is to get outside barefoot! Our feet have a high amount of nerve endings which are needed for electron transfer to occur. You could spend as little as 10 minutes outside and see some benefits. Take your shoes and socks off and place your feet directly on the ground. Walk together barefoot outside on dry or wet grass and/or dirt! Even concrete or brick is a conductor and can transfer energy and electrons.

Hold hands with your child, take a moment from the real world and just enjoy the conversation! Ask them to pay attention to the feeling of different surfaces under their feet – the softness of grass, the roughness of a dirt path, the cool, uneven surface of pebbles, etc. This sensory exploration can be a great learning experience. This is a wonderful way to connect with your child (and the earth) and a great stress relief for you both. Mud is even better – embrace the mess! Tap into your inner child and just DO IT!

2. Hug a tree

Show Mother Nature some love by hugging your favorite tree (any tree will do!). Firm pressure is an excellent way for kids to feel more stable and grounded. Lots of therapies have kids hug themselves, but hugging a tree works great for this, as it gives kids the pressure they crave, combined with the connection to nature.

Feel the texture and smell the bark. Put your cheek on the tree and take it all in! Give it a big hard squeeze and feel the pressure points and all the contact. Hugging a tree can increase your levels of the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for feeling calm and emotional bonding.

3. Feet in the sand or submerge in water

If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach or body of water – enjoy it! Wet sand is the best conductor of energy from the earth. Ever wonder why the coasts always have some major vibes…Mother Nature knows what she’s doing!

The Blue Mind theory, popularized by marine biologist and neuroscientist Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. This theory posits that spending time near or around water (be it oceans, lakes, or rivers), triggers a neurological and psychological response that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. By immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of blue spaces, we tap into a deep-seated connection with water that calms our mental state, encourages creativity, inspires reflection, and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world.

(Be sure to read our full post on the benefits of spending time in Blue Spaces.)

Some grounding advocates believe that water may be used to ground in the same way the physical earth is used for grounding. They suggest simply wading in a clear lake, walking through a creek, or swimming in the ocean as a way to ground yourself. As always, be sure to stay safe when swimming, especially in murky or deep waters, supervise children, and use flotation devices.

4. Sit spot

The idea of sit spotting is simple: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature will surround you, soothe you, entertain you, and seep into you. Sit spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort and relax you, as you get to know the location.

Your special place could be anywhere outside – at a local park or even in your back yard. Visit that place together often with your kids and talk about the world around you and how things have changed since your last visit. Sitting on a blanket is fine, but on the bare ground is best. Take your shoes off and explore.

You will notice quickly that our world is MUCH bigger than it seems. Talk about the plants, trees, animals, and bugs around you! Talk about the way your body feels in the present moment (and does it change as you sit there?). Incorporate a breathing exercise into your sit spot by doing some deep breathing and taking in your surroundings. This is especially helpful for children with sensory difficulties. This is also my favorite grounding activity for those hard days when the world feels extra heavy. If your child having an off day, take them to a “sit spot!”

Photo credit: @kristcx

5. Gardening

Gardening provides an opportunity for children to practice of earthing while engaging in a hands-on learning experience. As kids dig their hands into the soil, they connect with the earth physically and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.

Gardening allows children to witness firsthand the magic of plant growth, from seed to harvest, instilling in them a sense of wonder and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. Moreover, as they interact with various plants and insects in the garden, children learn valuable lessons about biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and the importance of respecting and nurturing the environment.

By tending a garden, kids learn responsibility, patience, and perseverance as they observe the gradual progress of their plants and take on tasks like watering, weeding, and harvesting. Gardening also encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. Gardening is a great tool that helps kids develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in contributing to the creation of a beautiful and thriving garden space while deepening their connection to the earth and all its wonders.

For more information on this topic, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Gardening with Kids.

Photo credit: @wendycoxphotography

6. 5-4-3-2-1 game

While different strategies work for different kids, this grounding exercise is super simple and can be done by kids of all ages, nearly anywhere. All they need to do is pay attention to their senses and the environment around them. The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique is effective because it helps children focus on something tangible using their senses. It helps the mind focus, slowing down any racing thoughts or strong emotions that may be contributing to feelings of anxiety.

Here’s how to do it. When you’re outside in nature, have your child identify the following:
- five things they can see
- four things they can hear
- three things they can smell
- two things they can touch,
- one thing they can taste
Battling the excuses

Weather (hot and cold), and hazardous or unsanitary surfaces keep many people from grounding and experiencing the power of being barefoot outside. Let’s get over those excuses and how to overcome them. Here’s some practical information on how to handle each of these excuses so that you can get outside and experience the benefits of grounding.

Weather

I know many parents who will use the weather as an excuse not to ground themselves. And weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold can present challenges for children to play outside barefoot. However, with proper preparation and awareness, mitigating these concerns and enjoying outdoor barefoot play is possible.

During the summer months children often have more opportunity to practice earthing or grounding as they spend a greater amount of time outside barefoot. During hot weather, we schedule outdoor playtime during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings, to avoid the peak heat hours. Additionally, we seek shaded areas, wet areas (such as creeks), or grassy spots, which tend to be cooler than pavement or concrete surfaces. Stay vigilant for signs of discomfort or overheating, and encourage your children to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (popsicles also help).

On the other hand, during cold weather, time outside barefoot should be closely monitored by parents. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to play outside in the snow barefoot! But, if it’s reasonable outside, then wearing warm layers will help protect against chilly temperatures, while still allowing for some barefoot exploration. Emphasize the importance of monitoring children for signs of discomfort or frostbite and encouraging regular breaks indoors to warm up.

Photo credit: @roaminggonzalez

Unsafe surfaces

Lots of parents I know often express concerns about hazardous or unsanitary surface conditions when it comes to letting their kids play outside barefoot. Many parents are worried about their child stepping on broken glass at the park, or sharp rocks in the creek. Some parents are just opposed to their kids feet getting muddy, dirty, and “gross.”

However, while it’s essential to be mindful of potential risks, it’s also crucial to recognize the benefits of grounding for children’s well-being. Scout out safe areas for barefoot play. Look for grassy patches, sandy beaches, or well-maintained playgrounds where the risk of injury or exposure to harmful substances is minimized. Encourage you kids to ground in your own backyard.

Regularly check your child’s feet for any signs of injury or infection. If your child has a cut or open wound on their foot, it’s best to avoid earthing until it heals to prevent any risk of infection. Some children may have allergies to certain plants or grasses, so observe your child for any allergic reactions during their first few earthing experiences. Always supervise younger children during earthing activities. This not only ensures their physical safety but also allows you to guide and educate them about the process and its benefits.

Additionally, encourage children to inspect their surroundings and avoid areas with broken glass, sharp objects, or animal waste. Teaching them to be aware of their environment fosters a sense of responsibility and helps them make informed decisions about where to play barefoot safely.

By taking these precautions, earthing can be a safe, enjoyable, and beneficial activity for children. Remember, earthing is supposed to enhance our children’s well-being, so safety should always be the primary concern.

Photo credit: @motherhenshomestead

Overcoming Nature Deficit Disorder

There is much to say about kids spending too much time indoors. This issue has become so extreme that the crisis has a name: Nature deficit disorder. Many studies have shown that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less stressed or anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. Regular exposure to the outdoors and frequent – even daily – grounding can provide you and your child with multiple benefits and create some quality time to slow down and enjoy some “be here now” quality time with each other lowering stress levels and creating a tighter bond!

Mother Nature has always had a beautiful way of calming the mind if you let her. Nature is all around us and offers more benefits than we can ever imagine. Spending time in nature is free and gives back so much. Sometimes, on the days that feel exceptionally hard (and in these crazy times it might be more days than not) the answer to some of our problems lie right under our feet.

Photo credit: @meghavlaarphoto

Grounding (earthing) with kids

Grounding with kids through activities like barefoot nature walks, tree-hugging, sit spotting, and gardening offers simple yet profound ways to connect with the healing power of nature. As we’ve explored, spending time outdoors allows children to recharge their spirits, calm anxiety, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s feeling the earth beneath their feet, getting their hands dirty in the soil, or simply immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of nature, the benefits of outdoor experiences are unparalleled for both physical and mental well-being.

By understanding the concept of grounding and embracing opportunities for outdoor play and exploration, parents can provide their children with invaluable opportunities to thrive. Not only do these activities promote physical health and development, but they also nurture a sense of wonder, curiosity, and connection to the world around them. So, let’s encourage our kids to kick off their shoes, dig in the dirt, and bask in the beauty of nature. Together, let’s reap the incredible benefits that Mother Nature has to offer, and cultivate a lifelong love and respect for the earth and all its wonders.

About the author

Tiffany is a Texas homeschooling Mama of three earthside children, one baby girl that travels among the stars and a brand new bouncing baby boy. She is a vintage obsessed, wicker collecting, tree-loving photographer, creator, painter, writer and loves to document her children’s childhood and is passionate about sharing her take on motherhood, raising children outside of the “norm” and in nature. Tiffany’s passionate about kids’ mental health, social justice, and taking care of the planet.

You can find more from Tiffany in the following locations:
Instagram: @dear.wildlings
RWMC posts: Tiffany Griffin
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARENTING, TEENS
Teen Mental Health and Nature
- May 22, 2023
In today’s fast-paced, socially distant, yet hyperconnected world, the mental well-being of teenagers is facing an alarming crisis. The prevalence of anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges among adolescents has reached unprecedented levels, casting a dark shadow over their formative years. As parents, it can be scary to consider the statistics, but it’s also imperative that we delve into the depths of this issue and explore potential remedies that can bring hope and relief. One of those being the great outdoors. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mother to three teens, will shed light on the daunting state of teen mental health, and unveil the transformative power of spending time outside in nature as a vital antidote to anxiety and stress, igniting a path towards healing, resilience, and personal growth.

Using nature as a tool

I have three teens of my own, and I am around adolescents day in and day out. And like you, I even have experience as a teenager myself. While I am not a doctor, nor do I have any training in the mental health field, I have observations, experiences, and anecdotes that tell me this fact…teens need nature.

Teen mental health and nature have a connection. Spending time in nature can have a significant impact on teen mental health. Nature is not the only solution, but it is a powerful tool in our parenting toolbox that we can use to help our children.

We all have a deep-rooted need within us to let go and be free. Free of social constraints, free from school/household responsibilities, and free to be ourselves. Nature and outside time can give that to our teens. This post will show the reality of teen mental health today, ways nature can be an aid, and how-to solutions to help your teens through it all.

Teen mental health today

While I do not want to scare or intimidate you with statistics on the dire state of teen mental health, they are necessary to understand some of why teens are experiencing debilitating diagnoses and daily mental health struggles. Strong mental health is vital to the development of everyone, but it is especially poignant during the adolescent years as teens mature both physically and emotionally.
- Over 2.7 million youth report severe major depression.
- 22% of high school students in a recent survey said they have seriously considered suicide in the past year.
- 25% of teens have a mental health diagnosis from a professional (and this does not include teens who are either too scared to seek help or do not have access to help).
Factors affecting teen mental health

Every organization involved in teen mental health reports that these statistics are on the rise dramatically. And while there is no one single thing we can blame these statistics on, there are several that come to mind and have been cited time and again. Understanding these significant factors that impact teen mental health is crucial in developing effective strategies and interventions to support and nurture their well-being.

Screens

First, we live in an era dominated by screens. The ubiquitous presence of social media platforms has transformed the way teens interact and perceive themselves. The constant exposure to curated online personas, cyberbullying, and social comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and low self-esteem.

Performance pressure

The pressure to excel academically (or athletically, or extra-circularly), secure scholarships, win games, and gain admission to prestigious institutions has intensified for teenagers. Teens often experience immense stress, anxiety, and burnout due to the high expectations placed upon them.

Traumatic experiences

Teens may experience traumatic events such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, or loss. These experiences can have long-lasting effects on their mental health, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. In addition, in the U.S. significantly, we have teenagers that go to school every day, fearing that another school shooting has taken place or will take place.

All of these factors have a tendency to draw anyone inward, but especially teenagers who are still immature in their coping mechanisms and emotional development. It’s on us as parents to help them through this.

Teen mental health and screens

It is almost impossible to have a conversation on teen mental health without talking about screens and the content our teens are consuming on those screens.

Access to adult content

The entertainment and media options available to teens are endless. No, it’s not all evil…but it’s not all good, either. The sheer amount of access to adult content available at their fingertips is unfathomable to most parents. In today’s digital age, explicit material is just a few clicks away, blurring the lines between what is appropriate for adult consumption and what is suitable for impressionable minds.

Exposure to adult content at an early age can have detrimental effects on teens’ cognitive development, self-image, and understanding of healthy relationships. Such content often portrays unrealistic and harmful representations of sexuality, leading to distorted perceptions, confusion, and a distorted sense of self. It can fuel feelings of inadequacy, body shaming, and pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

Social media

Let me give you my hot take on social media. Not only does social media demand the attention of our teens, but it demands their loyalty. Every time a teen scrolls he/she is told, “You, too, should be a beautiful person with a beautiful life…and here’s how you do it right.” In a world that preaches individualism, there sure is a lot of conformity that is expected. So, in an effort to conform, they go back to the social media that informs them on how to do it. Constant exposure to social media platforms can fuel a cycle of comparison, where teens measure their worth based on carefully curated highlight reels of their peers. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a distorted self-image.

The addictive nature of social media further exacerbates the problem, with excessive screen time replacing real-life social interactions and adversely affecting sleep patterns. The pressure to gain likes, followers, and virtual validation can create a constant sense of anxiety and a fear of missing out (FOMO). Additionally, cyberbullying, (hurtful comments, rumors, and public shaming) can inflict deep emotional scars.

Social media can make teens less social

Paradoxically, as these kids are deeply connected to their screens, they are more socially disconnected than ever. The rise of social media platforms has led to a concerning trend of teenagers becoming less socially engaged in the offline world. While these platforms promise to connect individuals, they often contribute to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and genuine human connections.

Social media can create a false sense of socialization, where likes, comments, and emojis substitute for meaningful conversations and authentic interactions. But, adolescents need peer face-to-face interaction. They need to argue and affirm in real life, not with keyboard courage or placating phrases. They need to be able to observe and read body language and facial cues so that they can understand emotions and reactions. These interactions provide a unique and irreplaceable opportunity for young individuals to learn, grow, and navigate the complexities of the world around them. They also help teenagers to develop essential social skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.

Social media shows teens what they’re missing

Furthermore, social media has the ability to make teens feel very left out and lonely when they see their friends and schoolmates posting about their activities. Remember how you and I were often blissfully unaware if other friends got together to go to a movie and you weren’t invited? That does not exist anymore. If a few kids hang out, everyone else will know about it when they Snapchat photos. You can even find them all in the same location on snap maps. Naturally, those not invited feel left out and rejected. With girls, this scenario may play out for weeks as gossip, jealousy, and competition can ensue. Of course, these have always been a part of social life, but with screens, it is all instantaneous, and everyone knows.

Teen expectations and exhaustion

Teens also have mental fatigue. We are asking for more and more output academically, physically, and mentally than ever before. Parents often place significant pressure on teenagers to excel academically and perform well in sports, inadvertently leading to negative consequences for their mental and emotional well-being. We are telling them they need to perform harder, faster, stronger, and more adeptly than most of them are ready for. This pressure to perform can create a constant state of stress, anxiety, and fear of failure in our teenagers. They may feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and experience a loss of motivation and joy in learning or playing sports/games they used to love.

Oftentimes, we simultaneously let them off the hook in their character development and pursuit of personal growth at the expense of performance pressure. The relentless pursuit of academic success can lead to a narrow focus on grades rather than fostering a love for learning and personal growth. The demand for excellence in one sport may keep kids from trying new sports or discovering new passions, interests, and hobbies. The constant drive for athletic achievement can also result in physical exhaustion, injuries, and mental burnout.

A generational shift in stress

A recent study showed that 64% of teens report feeling the world is more stressful than when their parents were their age. This increased perception of stress has profound implications for their overall well-being and development. It suggests that teenagers are grappling with unique challenges and pressures that previous generations did not face to the same extent.

The modern world is characterized by rapid technological advancements, increasing academic competitiveness, social media influence, economic uncertainties, and global issues like climate change. These factors, among others, contribute to a heightened sense of pressure, uncertainty, and overwhelm for teenagers.

As parents, we hope that we’re giving our kids the best and making things easier for them than we had, but that doesn’t seem to be the case, according to many teens. There has been a generational shift, and we need to pay attention.

How nature plays a positive role in teen mental health

In a world where teenagers grapple with mounting pressures and the constant bombardment of technology, finding solace and respite in nature has become more crucial than ever. Nature has an inherent ability to heal and restore, offering a sanctuary away from the stresses and anxieties of daily life. Here are some positive benefits of spending time outside that teenagers desperately need.

Sense of calmness

One of the great benefits of nature for teens is the sense of calm it offers. In a world that is adamant to gain teens’ attention with extreme noise and flashes of glitter, nature lets their minds rest. And as their minds rest, their nervous system can relax. Anxiety is reduced as their brains take a break from the worries and cares and instead go blank.

This calmness can be experienced in a simple walk around the neighborhood or a picnic at the park. As I have personally encouraged my own teens to take a break outside, they are now implementing it themselves. I have even heard them say they crave time in nature. When they experience the sense of calmness that nature can provide, they want “the calm”!

Confidence and self-esteem

Another benefit for teens is how nature can play a part in building confidence and boosting self-esteem. My friend Tiphini says that “the biggest perk we’ve seen from pushing our teens to spend time out in nature is an unexpected boost in self-confidence. Whether they are on a multi-day paddle across Lake Superior, navigating moguls on a black diamond run, working to conquer a new mountain bike trail, or pushing themselves up the side of a mountain — they know they can do hard things. They recognize they are capable, and in the tumultuous teen years, this is something pretty special.”

Nature provides a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth. When teenagers spend time outside in nature, they are exposed to new challenges. And when they overcome their obstacles, they develop a sense of accomplishment and a belief in their abilities. Moreover, being in nature promotes a break from social comparisons and judgments, providing teenagers with an opportunity to embrace their individuality and build confidence in who they are.

Gratitude

Recently, I have been learning more about blue mind science. This is the scientific proof that spending time on, in, or near water has a positive effect on our bodies, including our mental health. Cited as one of the byproducts of blue time is awe and gratitude. There is a shift from self-focus to recognizing a larger world beyond themselves. The depths of the sea and the sea life within open up their minds to things how many things are possible, and all the things undiscovered. It’s inspiring rather than stifling.

Stress relief

As noted above, there are physiological responses that aid in mental health as well. Studies show that nature is an antidote to stress. Some of the physical responses determined by scientific data are lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, an enhanced immune system function, a reduction in anxiety, and an improved mood. Anyone would benefit from these things, but with the added pressures teens face, these could be game changers for their daily lives.

Focus

When a teenager’s mind is relaxed, they are able to focus better, as well. When my teenagers are studying, I encourage them to take a break by going for a walk or a bike ride outside to clear their heads, get some fresh air, and physical activity. All these things have been linked to increased focus, a boost in creativity, and battery memory retention.

Time in nature can also foster exceptional creativity by allowing stimuli to push a teen into hyper-awareness. Moving away from “noise” allows their minds to go blank and hone in on some pretty fantastic creativity and purpose. As distractions are eliminated, a teen can see their direction more clearly and discern what gives him/her joy.

Connection

As a mom, one of the greatest benefits of nature in a teen’s life is the way it plays a part in our connection to each other as a family. Without the pull of screens, time in nature gives me the opportunity to really talk to my teens. Without fail, times in nature are the times when my teens open up and talk about the things that matter to them. Nature gives them a place to express themselves and let them be true to themselves.

How to use nature as a nurturer in the life of your teens

Telling your teens they need nature and “go outside” won’t really work. Telling teens anything has little effect. Instead, one method that works for our family is to model what it looks like to use nature to aid in mental health. Show your teens that taking a walk along the river or even a day in the woods to yourself is a great way to alleviate stress. Let your kids see you revert to nature when you need a break, and use outdoor time as a way to self-soothe and regulate your stress and emotions.

In addition, here are some ways you can incorporate more time outside with your teens.

Keep it simple

If outside time is new to your teens, you may want to start with simple solutions. Serve family dinner outdoors one night. Start taking the dog for a walk in the neighborhood together every day. Pack a picnic for lunch at a local park. Set up a hammock in the backyard and make it a reading/resting spot. Your teen does not need to be “outdoorsy” or climb mountains to spend time in nature. Fresh air and sunshine in your own backyard can do so much to relax and reset.

Try new things outside

If your teens don’t particularly have a passion or interest, this can be a great excuse to explore some new outside activities. I have found that exposure often drives teens toward nature as they find new things they try and enjoy. Fishing, surfing, sailing, trail running, and mountain biking are all ideas to let your teens give a try. When they have an activity that brings them joy, they are more likely to seek out that time in nature on their own.

Let your teen lead the way

I know this can be scary, but teens are moving toward adulthood, and independence — they crave it. Give your teen the opportunity to choose and plan something that excites them. Rock climbing may not be your idea of fun, but if it is something your teen wants to explore and it gets them outside, why would you stand in the way? If snowboarding is an outlet for your teen to burn off stress, don’t you want to encourage that? The bottom line here is to let them have an idea and then let them find a plan to make it happen.

Encourage your teens to invite friends

There is no denying that teens function in peer groups, and the pack mentality is strong during the adolescent years. In a post-covid world, though, there is less emphasis on face-to-face interactions. Use outdoor time as a way to help your teens reconnect with their peers. Activities in nature are an easy way to gather groups together for fun. River tubing, bonfires, frisbee golf, beach games, cliff/waterfall jumping, and campouts bring teens together and give them the freedom to have fun and connect together in nature.

The connection between teen mental health and nature

I hope I have made the case for the connection that exists between teen mental health and nature. My own teens tell me (and their friends) they need time outside. I recently overheard my teenage daughter on the phone with a friend talking about feeling like she was drowning in schoolwork and responsibilities. She admitted that she just wanted to get outside and take a hike…preferably in Washington state, where there was no cell service. (Note: a few summers ago, we hiked in Olympic National Park, and I guess she realized how wonderful it really was to disconnect and be free from the daily grind. That trip paid off!)

It made me so happy to hear her realize that getting outside and into nature was her first response to stress and her go-to coping mechanism. That has been my goal, to give my teens an awareness of their mental health state and to provide them with a solution to help them cope. Getting outside helps them get back to a renewed place, ready to face the next challenge in life.

How do you help your teen get outside?
Do you feel it helps?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes
FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
How to Love Where You Live by Getting Outside
- May 8, 2023
Are you looking to develop a deeper connection with and appreciation for the place you call home? Spending time outside in your area can be an excellent way to foster a sense of connection and appreciation for your community. From exploring local parks and hiking trails to discovering hidden gems and natural wonders, there are many opportunities to discover the beauty of your environment. Today, Amy Eastin, Kansas City mom of three, explores the many benefits of spending time outdoors in your area, and how it can help you fall in love with where you live. Get ready to be smitten with your location!

From unremarkable to unbelievable

I have lived in some spectacular places. And, I’ve also lived in some pretty unremarkable places. Or, at least, I thought they were unremarkable…

I’ve lived in Bulgaria, South Korea, England, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. I lived in a village of 500 people and a city with 10 million people. Everywhere I went, there were people who loved where they lived and those who hated where they lived.

Living in a place that you love can have a significant impact on your mood, attitude, and overall mental health. When you feel connected to your surroundings, it can provide a sense of security, belonging, and fulfillment. Furthermore, when you are happy with your surroundings, it can help to reduce stress levels and alleviate anxiety.

But loving where you live may be easier said than done. Not everyone gets to choose their location based on their interests or needs and everyone’s preferences and interests are unique. However, there are a few things that can help individuals develop a deeper connection with their surroundings and foster a sense of appreciation for their environment.

How the outdoors can help you fall in love with where you live

Living in the Midwest, I hear all the time that there is “nothing to do here,” especially when it comes to getting outdoors. True, we do not have snow-capped mountains or white-sand beaches. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t have other remarkable outdoor attractions. We have plains, caves, woods, and creeks. We have outdoor festivals, outdoor entertainment, and amazing outdoor parks.

Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, I have taught myself to find the good in all the places I have lived. It has helped my mental and physical health, as well as given me so much to look forward to doing with my family.

The Midwest has a ton to offer outdoor adventurers (and families just wanting to spend more time outside). However, I did not always know that. I lived in Kansas City for years before I started exploring it and realized there was more to do than I ever imagined! Once I started looking for gems around the Midwest, I found more and more incredible places. I quickly realized that so many places have a lot to offer if you just give them a chance. Here’s how you can do this, too.

Exploring our home in Kansas City, Missouri

Finding local destinations/attractions

My first recommendation for falling in love with the place where you live is to find nearby experiences and places that interest you. One of the main reasons people don’t like where they live is because they believe there is nothing to do there. What is more likely, is that they just don’t know all the things there are to do!

Here’s how to change that and find local destinations, events, and activities that pique your interest:

Follow local social media accounts

I like to follow accounts of local tourism boards, experiences, public places (nature sanctuaries, libraries, etc.), and travel bloggers on social media. All of these accounts give me ideas about what there is to do in my area.

Look for events

I’m always on the lookout for local events or local calendars with nearby activities and events on them. Finding special things to do helps me get excited about all the fun things happening in my town. Maybe this is a local festival, concert, outdoor expo, fair, or presentation. Attending local cultural events or traditions can provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of your community, and develop a sense of pride in your surroundings. It can also be a fun way to connect with others, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Collect local and nearby travel brochures

Did you know you can get state and local travel brochures mailed to you for free? If you go to your state’s travel website, they will send you a big magazine, plus you can usually opt in to smaller travel bureaus’ pamphlets as well. You can also go to local tourism boards’ websites and order them there too. Also, when you’re out exploring, pick up pamplets and brochures for local attractions to file away. Then, anytime you need an idea for someplace to explore, pull one out and give it a try!

Make lists

I have a Google document full of places I would like to go. Anytime I hear about a place we’ve never been, I add it to my list. I make notes on the places we explore (e.g. where to park, whether we should go back, what there was to do, etc.).

I also make seasonal bingo boards for my family (you could also do this with seasonal bucket lists). We include activities like pumpkin carving or apple picking in the fall, splash pads in the summer, and sledding in the winter. We also add places we love returning to, such as our favorite pumpkin patches. It helps us look forward to what we’re going to do and keep traditions year after year.

Save places on Google Maps

Any time I learn about somewhere new that I am interested in checking out, I pin it on my Google Maps. That way, if it’s a Saturday morning and we’re looking for something to do that day, I will pull up my Google map and look at options. Seeing where something is on the map also helps me decide if we have time for exploring a new place a bit further away, or whether we may need to explore closer to home.

Also, any time we’re going on a road trip or to a part of town we’re not usually in, I’m able to pull up my map and see if there is anything we’d like to do in that area or on the way.

A Bulgarian village I lived in when I was in the Peace Corps

Find your people

It’s ridiculously hard to love where you live if you don’t have any friends or feel like a part of the community. Friends can make a town feel less lonely, they give you someone to adventure with and allow you to appreciate where you live more. Here are a few ways to find like-minded individuals, who will hopefully turn into your new adventure friends!

Join groups on Facebook or MeetUp

If you’re looking for friends, Facebook and MeetUp are good places to start. There are so many local Facebook groups that you can join no matter what your interests or location. There are tons of local mom groups based on the ages of your kids, your school district, kids’ interests, neighborhood, etc. If you are interested in mushroom hunting, there’s probably a group for that! Archery? There’s probably a group for that, too. Use these groups to your advantage to find your people!

Be bold and show up

Joining an online group is easy, but actually attending events is a lot harder- especially when you don’t know anyone. You will probably have to force yourself to go the first few times, but if you do, you will probably thank yourself later. Luckily, you probably won’t be the only one there that doesn’t know anyone. And people are generally very welcoming and happy to show you around and introduce you to other members.

A photo from when I lived in Seoul, South Korea

Change your perspective

There will always be some people that don’t like where they live. If their home suddenly became the coolest spot on the planet, their minds probably wouldn’t change because of their mindset. If you think you’re stuck in a mental rut about where you live, here are some tips to change it.

Consider what would make you happy

What do you wish your location had? Can you bring that to where you live? Some people think they can only be happy if they live in the mountains. Unfortunately, you can’t bring mountains to where you live if they don’t currently exist, but maybe you can ask yourself why you think you need mountains and what the root cause is for what you desire. Are you actually craving nature? Do you have a belief that where you live isn’t beautiful, but places with mountains are? If that’s the case, then look for beautiful nature closer to home. I guarantee you’ll find something. The more you look, the more interesting places you’ll find.

Take action

If there are things you don’t like about your environment, take action to change them. This can involve participating in local politics, volunteering for community organizations, organizing the events or activities you’d like to see in your area, or simply taking steps to beautify your neighborhood. Don’t have a local moms group for your area? Start one! No outdoor play groups that you’re aware of? Organize your own! Taking action can help you feel more connected to your community and give you a sense of agency in shaping your environment and maybe even make you some friends in the process.

Change your attitude about the weather

Some people hate where they live because it is too cold, hot, or rainy. You can’t change the weather, but you can try to change your outlook and attitude. Sometimes overcoming weather obstacles means being properly outfitted and getting outside despite the weather. As moms, sometimes we’ll worry so much about properly outfitting our kids for the weather that we don’t take our own comfort into consideration. If your outdoor gear is lacking (maybe it’s old, doesn’t fit properly, or is non-existent), look into buying yourself the proper clothes and gear to get outside. Having the right gear could help you be more comfortable when you’re out and make you more willing to get outside despite the weather. Will you love winter as much as the rest of the year? Probably not. But you can still enjoy it more and improve your mental health by getting outdoors.

Practice gratitude

Another way to shift your mindset about where you live is to practice gratitude. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you appreciate about your surroundings, such as the natural beauty, cultural events, or friendly neighbors/people. What is it that you do like about where you live? Look for opportunities to connect with your community, participate in local events, or explore the natural beauty around you. Focusing on what you’re grateful for can help you develop a positive attitude toward your environment and foster a sense of appreciation for your community.

What do you love about where you live?

About the author

Amy is a Kansas City-based adventure mom to three kids. She loves exploring all that the middle of the USA has to offer, from hiking trails to family experiences, rivers, museums, and everything in between. Before kids, Amy traveled and lived around the world, rode camels, trekked through mountains, and occasionally danced with the locals. Now Amy is usually road-tripping with her kids (and sometimes her husband), getting outside, and exploring Kansas City. Amy is passionate about promoting the Midwest as a travel destination and encouraging families to get outdoors with young kids.

You can find more from Amy in the following locations:
Website: http://www.everydayoutdoorfamily.com
Instagram: @everydayoutdoorfamily
Facebook: Everyday Outdoor Family
Tiktok: @everydayoutdoorfamily
RWMC posts: Amy Eastin
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Mental Health and Parenting Outdoors
- February 11, 2022
Parenting today is hard. Parents are feeling the weight of the world on them and every decision feels monumental. Stress and anxiety have been piling on top of parents over the last couple of years and we’ve been operating in survival mode, not taking care of ourselves as we should. We all know the benefits and importance of getting kids outside, but what about parents? Today, nurse educator and mom, Somer Pickel is here to chat about mental health and how parenting outdoors can make a huge difference. Spending time outside isn’t just good for the kids – it’s healing for parents, too. This post will walk you through the importance of getting outside with (or without) your kids, as well as help you overcome your objections and struggle points.

Most parents are well aware that getting our kids outdoors is important. But do we prioritize our needs for time spent outside?

Getting outside benefits my mental health, making me a better mom

We have all heard that getting outside benefits mental health. We know it can make kids less anxious, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem. Yet, we don’t often consider how getting outside (with or without our kids) benefits parental mental health. So, that’s what we’re going to discuss here today.

Mental health is something I take very seriously. Not only is it my job (I’m an acute mental health clinical nurse educator), but I personally struggle with profound grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress due to the chronic critical illness, hospitalization, and death of my firstborn child. Medication and therapy aside, regularly getting outdoors have been my ticket to productively coping and functioning. To be honest, getting out into nature quite simply helps me be a better mom.

Full disclosure about seeking help

Before we jump in, y’all should know, I’m not a medical provider. Professionally, I’m an acute mental health clinical nurse educator. However, nothing within this article should be taken as a substitute for medical/psychological care. If you are experiencing mental illness and/or distress, please speak to your health care provider about options best for you and your family. Seeking help for our mental wellbeing is one of the bravest and most essential actions we can take for ourselves and our children.

Trauma and grief have profound effects on our lives that continue to surface for years. Being proactive in caring for my mental health aids in my ability to maintain stability.

Parenting is hard

Being a mom is the most important thing I’ve ever done. But dang, it’s hard! I’m not even talking about parenting or caring for a child who is medically fragile with complex needs. (That’s a whole other level of difficulty that you can’t begin to fathom unless you’ve been there.) I’m just speaking to the typical parenting of typical kids.

Sure, kids can be the most precious little creatures on the planet. Their big eyes of wonder and hilarious antics can give you an oxytocin boom that’s like a kick to the ovaries. Then the next minute, your grade-schooler is exasperatingly precocious. Or maybe your toddler is insisting on being carried, while simultaneously melting into semi-liquid with Gumby joints. And of course, no one wants to go outside.

Parenting is never easy, but it grows more difficult when our mental wellness isn’t what it should or could be.

The struggle of getting outdoors

We know that getting outside benefits mental health, but that doesn’t mean that getting out the door is any easier. Getting outdoors can sometimes feel like a task I’m just not up for, even before kids are added to the mix. Their complaints atop readying gear, snacks, and the logistics of it all can feel too overwhelming to bother with. Don’t get me wrong, I know that time spent outdoors is important for my kid. I’m fully aware that nature benefits her physical, psychological, and developmental health. Yep, I’ve got it. My guess is that you likely do too if you’re here.

But what about when we (the parents) are struggling, especially with our mental wellbeing? Why should we push through what feels insurmountable at the moment to reap the benefits of the outdoors, not only for our kids, but for ourselves? And how do we even begin to try?

Sometimes we have to put our needs before our children’s wants if we are to be the parents they deserve.

Humans are designed for the outdoors

According to a theory called the biophilia hypothesis, humans have a seemingly innate need to seek connections with other life, most notably within nature. Our brains and bodies are the products of evolutionary processes attuned to living in natural environments. And while the theory is much more complex than I’ll go into, suffice to say–we, as a species, are designed to function best outside in nature.

Now, let’s take into account the modern world. I don’t know about you, but my windowless and sterile hospital office is anything but a natural environment. It’s a wonder I manage to get anything done within it, and it isn’t surprising that I’m stir crazy by the end of the day. The same goes for our kids spending the majority of their time within school walls, where physical activity is discouraged for hours at a time.

Nature offers a reprieve from the overstimulation and stress of the modern world.

Getting away from distractions

Getting outside helps us reconnect with ourselves and our kids. It gets us away from screens and more immersed in our surroundings. It also gets us out of the house and away from all the potentially distracting tasks (hello, mountain of laundry) we’d likely otherwise be doing instead of engaging with our children.

Are there any other moms out there who go into crazy-multitasking mode around the house–then basically end up chasing your own tail? Not to say household chores don’t need to be done, but more than a few can be prioritized behind outdoor time that benefits our wellness, relationships with our kids, and their development.

Pro-tip along these lines: the more your kids are outside, the less time they have to destroy your house (can I get an amen?!). This is probably why our own mothers locked us out of the house in the summers when we were kids. Maybe they were onto something…

The longer it takes me to get out of the house, the more time I spend running circles cleaning, straightening, and cursing. The quicker I can get my kid strapped into the car, the better. Even if that means lunch is haphazard or everything is thrown in a single bag unorganized. It’s what works best for us. You’ll find what works best for you.

Calming effects

Mother nature calms both us and our kids. Well, most of the time. Kids will still be kids and there may still be tears, for reasons big and seemingly microscopic. However, there’s research to show that being outdoors helps lower our stress hormone levels and blood pressure, as well as helps us center ourselves. So maybe when our kids inevitably act a fool, we’ll at least be in a better place to handle it than we would otherwise.

Pro-tip #2: Kids are calmer when they’re asleep (brought on by physically exhausting themselves outdoors, of course). I am always amazed at how much I’m able to accomplish while my kid is napping after a long jaunt outside.

Who am I kidding? I usually grab a nap myself (can I get another amen?).

There are few things more precious than the sight and sounds of our kids sleeping after thoroughly wearing themselves out?

Social outings in COVID times

I don’t know about you all, but I still struggle with COVID restrictions and anxieties. Logically, I know my worry is heightened by the trauma experienced loving and losing our oldest child. Given it’s easier to accept trauma responses than to reason yourself out of them, our social gatherings are all outside these days to lessen the risk of COVID transmission.

So, needless to say, getting outside with other families is huge for us. Meeting up for outdoor adventures and/or picnic meals has been a win, win, win. Both parents and kids get in some healthy outdoor time, exercise, and socialization. Hallelujah. If getting outside benefits mental health, then getting outside with friends seems to exponentially make things better.

The outdoors offers great opportunity for socialization while also social distancing. Plus, I don’t feel the need to guilt clean my house first!

How to get outside when you’re just not feeling it

I will again preface with, I am certainly not an expert and still struggle with this myself. All I can do is share with you what has worked for me and our family.
- Start small (with or without kids)
  - Spend more time in your yard or on the porch
  - Eat a meal outdoors, picnic-style or even while walking
  - Go on an evening neighborhood walk
  - Look up and visit the parks closest to you.
- Make it easy
  - Have a go-bag with essentials packed and ready
    - Ours has snacks, a first aid kit, and seasonally appropriate items
    - Tips for winter layering
  - Create routines (which isn’t easy to start but makes things easier later)
    - Outdoor routines help manage expectations. One of our routines is that we spend an hour outside every evening when I get off work. We may do different things each day, but my kid knows that we’re going to spend an hour outside. She fussed the first week or so, but then rarely.
- Be flexible and try to leave your ego at home
  - The thing that helps me get out the door on my hardest days, is telling myself we can bail if we get out and just aren’t feeling it. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but once we’re outside, we usually find our stride. Very rarely do we turn tail and head home, but the option helps make getting out the door manageable.
- Try to catch sunrises and/or sunsets (especially with friends!)
  - With the days being so short in the winter, it’s hard to get much outdoor time each day. For some reason, I used to be wary of keeping the kid out for sunset. But now that she’s older and can eat on the go, sunset adventures are probably my favorites.
  - As for sunrises, I like to enjoy those alone with a steaming cup of coffee for my own sanity. No one else is invited. Maybe not even the dog.
Confidence in motherhood

Getting outdoors improves my mental health–period. A healthy mama is what is best for my kiddo. So, yes, getting outside with or without her makes me a better mom. And for some reason, parenting outside gives me confidence in my mothering ability. I don’t know; maybe it’s feeling more connected to natural life cycles, or being made to feel just a small part of our big beautiful world. Or maybe it’s just that once you’re outside, parenting is easier.

For real, parenting is easier outdoors. When outside, kids basically entertain themselves. I find myself saying “yes” more than “no” when we’re outdoors. Nature is full of great sensory experiences, physical challenges, and imaginative catalysts. Plus, nature can handle a bit of child’s play. For the most part, you don’t have to worry about your kids being too rambunctious or destructive (one more amen?).

All you have to do is let them be who they are, while you get to marvel at who they’re becoming. Isn’t that what parenting is meant to be?

Parenthood is the hardest and most important thing we will ever do. Let’s make sure we are setting ourselves up for success by prioritizing our own outdoor needs.

Sources:
Do you find getting outside benefits your mental health?

About the author

Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life within a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.

When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.

Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans on an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years she’s become a passionate advocate within the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.

You can find Somer online in the following locations:
Instagram: @somerpickel
RWMC posts: Somer Pickel
Podcast episode: Overcoming Grief Outdoors
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Etiquette & Nature Manners for Kids
- April 20, 2021
If you’re raising outdoor-loving kids, chances are that you’re also teaching your kids outdoor etiquette (whether you know it or not). Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers. Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with some guidance for parents about teaching outdoor etiquette to kids and seven easy nature manners to teach your little nature-lovers.

Outdoor etiquette and nature manners

Our littles have a great big world waiting for them to explore. With a little help from us grown-ups, we hope they will grow to love and appreciate all the joys that nature has to offer. For many, nature’s benefits include the serenity that comes from being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, or feeling the sunshine on one’s face. Being outdoors also affords nature-goers the wonderful pleasure of meeting other kindred spirits who, too, enjoy being outside.

One of the benefits of spending time in nature is the opportunity to teach children how to be good stewards of the outdoors. Whether the mountains are calling or the beaches are beckoning, there is a certain set of etiquette for the outdoors. We’re not talking Emily Post-style etiquette, but rather a handful of good manners and practices to set in motion while kids are young to help them appreciate and respect nature, as well as preserve the enjoyment of the outdoors for others.

What are nature manners?

Nature manners are a set of rules that help kids understand how to treat outdoor spaces, the environment, and wildlife. They’re practices that help us show respect to our planet and our fellow outdoor adventurers.

Nature manners are equally as important as the ones we learn around the dinner table. Especially if nature is to be enjoyed by everyone. They’re not hard and fast rules that are difficult for kids to grasp or implement. We’re certainly not asking your kids to be quiet outside or stay calm at all times (don’t worry, that’s not our style).

Our nature manners for kids are merely ways to teach kids how to respect and appreciate nature, without doing harm. They’re based on the “Leave No Trace” principles, but adapted for little ones.

7 easy nature manners for outdoor-loving kids

Today, we’re sharing seven easy manners to teach your kids when adventuring outside. We hope these easy-to-implement manners will help to raise awareness and decrease frustrations when we are out enjoying our beautiful outdoor spaces together. These concepts are all practices that we can teach our kids through modeling and with gentle reminders when we’re out and about in nature. They’ll pick up on these nature manners quickly and they’ll become second nature to them as they grow into nature-loving adults.

1. Give a hoot, don’t pollute!

Woodsy the Owl said it best, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!” Teaching kids to properly dispose of their trash – food wrappers, juice boxes, and bottles – is one of the easiest manners to teach kids. Trash has no place along trails, waterways, and oceans. Not only does trash not look nice, but it is also harmful to native flora and fauna.

One of the best ways to prevent littering is to teach kids the “pack in, pack out” mindset. On your next adventure, carry along a grocery bag and stuff it with all of your trash. This includes food scraps and toilet paper. When the adventure is over, ask your little one to toss it into a trash can so they know how to dispose of it for next time.

And if you want to go a bit above and beyond and really teach amazing outdoor etiquette, teach your child to practice “negative trace” where they also pick up the trash and litter others have left behind. Leaving an outdoor area even better than you found is one of the best things you can do for our planet and a wonderful concept to teach kids.

2. Just say no to graffiti

Kids are natural artists, but we certainly don’t want to encourage them to leave their mark on nature in a damaging way. On our family hikes, we would often let our son grab a stick and draw zigzags and numbers in the dirt along the trails. But, when we came upon graffiti carved into trees or painted on rocks and signs, we made sure to point out that it was destroying the natural beauty of the trails we all enjoyed.

No one wants to see spray paint or carvings when they’re outside enjoying nature. Graffiti and vandalism have a permanent impact on beautiful places. Even when it can be cleaned up, the parks don’t always have the resources to take care of it. There are appropriate ways to express selves artistically in nature such as Plein air painting or taking photos, but graffiti sure isn’t one of them!

3. Look with your eyes, not with your hands!

How remarkable is it to come across the habitat of an animal in nature? Nests, dens, hives, and other habitats give rare glimpses into the animal kingdom and are the equivalent of a science textbook come to life! Bu animal habitats can be delicate, carefully constructed, and teeming with life. They should be observed with an abundance of caution.

Kids, however, are naturally curious creatures. The lure of touching these habitats is strong. And while we are all about hands-on learning, nevertheless, it’s important to impart respect for our animal friends and teach kids to follow the simple adage, “look with your eyes, and not with your hands” in these instances. There are plenty of other things in nature that kids can touch and experience up-close.

4. You had me at “hello”

One of my favorite nature manners to teach my son is to be friendly and courteous to other outdoor adventurers and nature-goers. By saying hello, smiling, or nodding one’s head, you’re acknowledging another person’s presence without being overbearing or intrusive.

The benefits of engaging in this type of hiking etiquette extend beyond just being warm & friendly. Being courteous gives folks a chance to share potential hazards ahead or landmarks to assist with navigation or distance. Conversation with fellow hikers also makes one more memorable in case a rescue team needs to locate a lost adventurer.

And while it’s really nice to be friendly with your fellow explorers, remember that most people aren’t out there to make new friends or hang out with other people. Say hi and be helpful, but do not monopolize your time or help yourself to another group’s space or resources.

5. Leave it as you found it

The simple, yet effective, phrase “leave it as you found it” speaks to one’s influence in maintaining nature for everyone to enjoy. Some might even say, “leave it better than you found it.” Regardless, don’t do anything to destroy the outdoors. Try not to disturb things and leave items in their natural condition, whether it’s rocks or vegetation.

We all know what happened when Goldilocks explored the home of the three little bears. Had she “left it as she found it,” that particular nursery rhyme would have ended a lot differently.

6. Be mindful where you walk

When you’re out exploring, teach your kids to be mindful of where you walk, sit, put down your bags, and allow your pets. Life outside in nature can be fragile and our missteps can damage it for years to come. When possible, stay on the marked trails and try not to disturb the plants and environment around you. Sometimes this is a hard concept for kids because they’re naturally curious and want to explore. We’re not telling you that you can never go “off trail,” but if/when you do, just be mindful of your steps and your actions to not harm or disturb your surroundings.

7. Show respect for wildlife

It’s important to teach your kids to respect wildlife and wild animals. Don’t feed wild animals or leave food scraps behind. Animals fed by humans may become dependent on that food and have difficulty learning how to fend for themselves in the wild.

For the safety of both kids and animals, keep a safe distance from wild animals. Animals need privacy (particularly during breeding seasons) and can be very protective when approached. A good rule of thumb is, actually using your thumb: close one eye, and then if you hold your thumb up to your open eye and can cover the animal with your thumb, you are at a safe distance. This works out to about 100 yards for large animals like bears and moose, and 25 yards for most medium-sized wildlife.

Use your nature manners to love Mother Earth

As Earth Day approaches, families will have opportunities to talk about nature and how to protect our planet. A great way to underscore nature manners is to repurpose items found during hikes and beach days into art. Known as process art, kids can creatively make unstructured art projects like sculptures and collages using bottle caps, straws, and other commonly discarded items. Shore Collections Art has some really creative and inspiring ways to think artistically about the impact our individual actions have on Mother Earth.

Connect with Wonder Club Explorers

If you’re looking for other fun ways to connect with your kids and nature, Wonder Club Explorers might be for you. A fun scouting alternative, Wonder Club Explorers offers merit patches and adventure vests to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. Open-ended and self-guided, kids earn patches such as “Nature Explorer,” “Process Artists,” and “Good SamariKids.” These are just a few patches that can be earned by practicing good “nature manners” like the ones above.

Have fun exploring and remember to tag #runwildmychild on your next outdoor adventure. Until next time!

What nature manners are you teaching your kids?

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett
BEACH, BIKE, HIKE, LESSONS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OUTDOOR SCHOOLS
How to Cultivate Nature-Inspired Literacy in Children
- November 11, 2020
These days, the adage “not all learning happens in the classroom” couldn’t be more true. The notion of a classroom has been redefined by the pandemic. Kids are learning from home and from school, on the road in RVs, and while at the beach. Learning can happen anywhere! Given the deconstructed school day that exists for many, why not use this opportunity to redefine the classroom a little more? Today, Creative Team member Michelle Garrett, California mom, and creator of Wonder Club Explorers, is here with four fun outdoor activities for kids that will help cultivate nature-inspired literacy.

Nature-inspired literacy

In these crazy pandemic times, it is tough watching children sit for long periods, away from friends, and adapting to school on a computer. Most parents and teachers will tell you the same thing…kids should be active, socializing, and outside! One way to provide balance to a child’s day is to introduce nature-inspired literacy as a supplement to textbooks and tablet learning.

Literacy is an ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Nature is a great learning tool and can be used to help kids grasp large concepts. Outdoor nature-inspired activities like tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking have foundations in physics, astronomy, and geography. Using tools, materials, and resources while participating in a fun outdoor activity can help your child become literate in these complex subjects and explain things in ways children can understand and appreciate.

Today, I’m going to show you how simple outdoor activities can help to expand your kids’ horizons outdoors and in nature. Here’s how to use tide pooling, stargazing, hiking, and biking to help cultivate nature-inspired literacy in children.

Teaching marine sciences and physics through tide pooling

Tide pooling is an excellent activity to expose your child to marine science. Tide pools can be found in intertidal zones and they give kids an up-close experience with marine life. As tides recede, animals and algae are exposed in craggy rock pools at the ocean’s edge. Within these rocky crevices, kids can usually find sea urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemone and so much more. In just one square meter of a tide pool, your child could find dozens of different animals, a remarkable display of adaptation and survival. How cool is that?

In order to teach your kids about the cycle of the tides, you’ll also want a basic understanding of physics. In particular, you’ll want to be familiar with the relationship between the gravitational pull of the moon and the Earth. If you need a quick primer, here’s the basic premise. The moon’s gravitational field is significant, and it causes the rise and fall of the ocean level as it orbits the Earth. When the Earth faces the moon, a tidal bulge occurs and it results in a high tide on the opposite sides of the Earth. When the face of the Earth is perpendicular to the moon, low tide occurs.

The best tool for making the most of a tide pooling experience is a tide chart. Tide charts contain data for local water levels, tide predictions, and other oceanographic and meteorological conditions. High and low tides both appear twice in a 24 hour day. Tides occur at different times each day depending on where the moon is in its cycle. Understanding how to read tide charts is essential for a tide pooling excursion. And it’s relatively easy to do. Kids will love using a local tide chart to help determine when to visit the tidepools. This will not only teach them about tides but about timing and lunar cycles, as well.

A good source for information to learn more about the tides is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Teaching astronomy through stargazing

Who doesn’t love a starry night? What makes stargazing such a wonderfully fun activity is that anyone can do it. All you have to do is look up! Stargazing is an introduction to understanding the universe outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is also an excellent primer for the scientific field of Astronomy.

Some 400 years ago, stargazing developed as a scientific pursuit. The Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei designed a telescope to enable the close observation of the night sky. The rest of his astronomical pursuits were groundbreaking. Gallileo’s credits include such things as being the first person to spot the four moons of Jupiter (a.k.a the Galilean moons), as well as his discovery that the surface of our moon contains mountains and craters.

The best time to stargaze is on a moonless night. Once outside, close your eyes and count to 100 to acclimate to the dark. As you slowly open your eyes, stars will appear across the night sky. Stars are not the only things you can spot in the night sky. To differentiate all the lights in the sky, you need to know that stars twinkle and steady lights are planets. Other fun things to spot on a dark, moonless night are things like meteors (shooting stars), satellites, and aircraft.

To help your child learn astromony through stargazing, there are some really great online tools. Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Star finder apps like SkyView can help your child find and identify constellations using your phone’s camera. NASA’s Spot the Station Website gives you a list of upcoming space station sighting opportunities for your exact location. A constellation chart is another great resource for astronomy.

Keep in mind that while stargazing is easily done with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience. We like this beginner portable telescope.

Teaching topography through hiking

Two super handy things to have for a hiking adventure are a good sense of direction and knowledge of your environment. Without these things, even a simple hike can go sideways. It’s always a good idea to carry a map to help you make sense of your position in the outdoors. However, carrying a map is only half of the equation. Your child should also know how to read one. This is a skill that many children are losing due to GPS access and phones. Teaching kids to read a map is a skill that any outdoor child should learn – it could save their life.

Topographic maps are pretty standard fare amongst seasoned hikers. Topographic maps are graphic representations of natural and man-made features of the Earth’s surface. They show the shape of the land, lakes, streams, roads, and provide a complete inventory of the terrain, including elevation. When you know how to read a topographic map, you’ll have a better chance of locating a good camping site or water source, distinguishing main trails from minor ones, identifying trail connections, and estimating elevations. Each of these skills will help your child to be mentally prepared for a trek.

Reading topographical maps requires practice. You’ll want to teach your child to understand how to decipher all of the technical information that appears on a map. In addition to reading a map, you may also want to teach your child how to use a compass. The pairing of map reading and compass reading will require basic navigation skills. If you need to brush up on your navigation skills, check out this great article from Backpacker Magazine to learn the basics of compass navigation.

Teaching geography through biking

Did you know that there is a U.S Bicycle Route System? In fact, there are likely designated bike routes in your own cities and towns. If you’d like to go on a biking adventure outside of the neighborhood with your kids, then you will want to teach them the ins and outs of reading a bike map. Rest assured, the same map reading and route planning skills involved with hiking apply to bike riding as well. Again, being able to read a map is an important skill.

It is worth noting that not all bike routes are the same. A bike map will distinguish between the classes of bike paths. A Class I bike path is a completely separated bi-directional right-of-way designated for bicycles. Class II bike lanes are striped lanes for one-way bike travel. Class III bike routes are travel ways for bicycles through a community denoted by signs). Finally, enhanced bike routes are a superior route based on traffic volume and speeds, street width, directness, and cross-street priority. Each of these bike routes results in different road conditions. Cyclists should know the difference between the types of routes as they are important for a bicyclist’s safety.

Transportation planners take a holistic approach when mapping out bike routes. For that reason, you will often see bike routes integrated with public transportation. Knowing how to navigate these connections it is an added benefit of bike map literacy. For a peek at what the USBR’s National Corridor Plan will look like, once complete, visit Adventure Cycling.

Make nature-inspired literacy part of your school day

Nature-inspired literacy is easily attained by taking the time to familiarize oneself with the charts, maps, and resources that are part of outdoor activities. By taking the time to learn how to use these tools, kids will learn more about the activities both in a practical and academic sense. As with anything, once you understand the concepts behind an activity, the more enjoyable they become. As parents and caregivers, let’s make the most of these unprecedented times and incorporate nature-inspired literacy into our children’s school days. Don’t forget to have fun exploring and be sure to tag #runwildmychild in your outdoor adventures!

Which of these activities would your child like the most?

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6 year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett
GOOD FOR NATURE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
7 Ways to Ease Anxiety Using Nature
- October 23, 2020
This year is destined to go down in the history books for a lot of things. Unprecedented high levels of stress and anxiety in parents, being one of them. More than possibly ever before, self-care for parents needs to be a top priority. Moms in particular, tend to take care of everyone but themselves, leading to overwhelm, burnout and exhaustion. Today, we have Chelsea Furlong, Virginia photographer and homeschooling mom of two, sharing 7 ways that parents (and kids) can reduce stress and ease anxiety using nature and natural treatments. We hope this post will inspire you to make nature part of your self-care routine.

Easing anxiety with nature

Well, here we are…at the tail end of 2020. This has to be one of the most stressful years our generation has ever experienced. The unexpected and unprecedented global pandemic has likely added stress to your life. Parents, in particular, have had a massive amount to deal with on top of the everyday stressors we normally experience.

Often, lots of stress can lead to anxiety. I know this because I have anxiety and depression. I have to be extremely careful with myself and very intentional about how I live my life to be sure I don’t get stuck in a dangerous downward spiral. And anyone else who has anxiety and/or depression knows how difficult it can be to pull yourself out of a particularly difficult time.

Over the years, I’ve tried so many things to ease my anxiety and support my mental health. I’ve tried everything from therapy to medications to natural remedies, and every combination of them. I can tell you without a second of hesitation that for me personally, getting back to nature has helped me more than anything else. I know that many of you may be experiencing added stress and anxiety so I wanted to share my most impactful ways of easing anxiety during difficult times.

1. Get outside

Now I know this seems very basic, but getting outside can instantly stop an anxiety spiral. There is countless research that shows how spending time outdoors in green spaces is good for your physical and mental health. Make spending time outside a priority and reap the benefits of less stress, better health and lower anxiety levels.

Sunlight and fresh air

We hear all the time that it’s so important to get sunlight but I don’t think people take this seriously enough. Many people have a vitamin D deficiency. This can still be the case even in the summertime. We tend to forget that humans are animals and in the 200,000 years homo sapiens has existed, only VERY recently have we lived so much of our lives indoors. Even a few generations ago, people were spending most of their waking hours working outside.

Modern-day society has put us indoors much more than we’ve ever been, and evolution can’t change our make up that quickly. I would argue that humans simply haven’t adjusted to being inside so much. Our bodies desperately need the sunlight and we need the fresh air.

Fresh air is good for our bodies and minds. Anyone that’s spent any time wearing a mask recently knows just how wonderful fresh air can be. Deep breathing outside in the fresh air can do amazing things for your body and mind.

Sleep better

Spending lots of time outside helps with so many things, one of them being a reset of our circadian rhythms. This is crucial for establishing regular sleep patterns. Personally, lack of sleep is always a major trigger for my anxiety and depression. I have to be very aware of my sleep schedule. When I’m not getting enough sleep, my anxiety greatly increases. Spending lots of time outside really helps the body settle down at night and sleep better.

Exercise

When you’re spending more time outside, you’re also likely getting more exercise. Exercise is another thing people take too lightly when it comes to mental health. I know this because I was one of those people. When I’m starting to feel like my depression and anxiety are kicking back up again, I monitor how much exercise I’m getting.

Not only is exercise good for the health of your body, but it’s critical for the health of your brain. You need the endorphins that your body produces when you exercise. Walking, running, biking, and yoga are great activities to do while you’re spending extra time outside.

Mindfulness

Another practice I’ve found helpful for my anxiety is using mindfulness or meditation while I’m outside on a walk. Anxiety can put your brain in a pattern or a cycle. In order to get out of it, you need a pattern interruption. Taking a walk and using the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness method is a great way to ground yourself and bring your brain back to the present moment. It’s super easy and works wonders!

Just take a deep breath in and out. Then identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. When I do this, I try to completely isolate each of those senses and remove any input from the other senses. You want to take your time with this grounding exercise and really slow down your body and brain. When you’re finished, take one more deep, cleansing breath. You’ll feel so much better!

Sit-spotting

The idea of sit-spotting is simple, but powerful: find a special place in nature and then become comfortable with just being there, still and quiet. In this place, nature let the nature around you soothe you, entertain you and seep into you. If you choose one particular place to do this repeatedly, sit-spotting gives you a personal and intimate place in nature which will soothe, comfort, and relax you instantly, as you get to know the location.

I recommend you find a place in or adjacent to a natural or semi-natural setting where you can sit and observe. Preferably, pick a place that’s close to home so you can get there easily whenever you need a mental break. Sit quietly there, observing nature around you with all of your senses. Listen for birds and other animals. Observe the colors and light. Touch the rocks and moss. Smell the fresh rain or snow. Visit your location in every season and vary the time of day (morning, noon, night) to see how your spot changes.

Check out this post for more useful information on sit spotting.

2. Eat clean

Cleaning up what you put into your body is another way to help improve your mental health. Mother Nature provides us with everything we need to nourish our bodies and make healthy new cells. Your body is always replacing your cells…why not make sure that the new cells you’re creating are healthy ones?

When I was desperately searching for answers to my own battle with depression and anxiety, I was having many odd physical symptoms in addition to the emotional ones. My psychiatrist looked at my medical charts and told me my declining physical and mental health looked similar to other patients she had with autoimmune disease.

Clean eating research

That sent me down an information-seeking rabbit hole, and I’m SO thankful it did. After doing tons of research, I changed my diet completely. Thanks to books like The Wahl’s Protocol and The Autoimmune Fix, I learned so much about how your body uses the food you eat to either make you healthy or make you sick.

Every person is different, and you’ll have to find what works for you, but I swear by the diet I’m permanently on. It has changed my life. It’s a big commitment but if you’re at the point where you’ll do anything to improve your mental health (like I was), it’s absolutely worth it.

The importance of good food

Adding large amounts of nutrient-dense foods is crucial to a properly functioning brain and nervous system. There is also a massive connection between your brain and your gut (which is also known as your second brain.) Nature can provide you with all the nutrients you need, you just have to make eating them a priority.

Do yourself a favor and start paying more attention to what you put into your body. How you feel afterward. Are there particular foods or meals that make you feel better? Or worse?

Bonus fact: Did you know that eating two or more handfuls of cashews a day, can have the same effect as Prozac? The high levels of tryptophan in cashews help to increase serotonin. Thanks, nature!

3. Supplements

In addition to honing in on your diet, you may want to consider adding some supplements to your daily self-care routine. Every person is different, but I’ve felt best when I’m taking a high quality fish oil, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and a B-complex. Fish oil supports brain health. Vitamin C supports the immune system. Vitamin D plays an important role in brain and nerve health, and mood regulation. And B vitamins help with energy levels, as well as brain and nerve functioning.

When my anxiety starts to get worse, I also add in my special anxiety-reducing tea. I add Holy basil and magnesium powder to chamomile tea. This is a great way to calm your muscles and nerves fairly quickly. I recommend Nature Calm magnesium powder to all my friends. Watch out, though. A little goes a long way with this stuff! You only need a very small amount to get the benefits.

CBD oil

The other supplement I use on a regular basis that has really been life changing for me is CBD oil. When it comes to CBD, you need to do your research. Not all CBD oils are created equally. I’ve tried various brands, types and strengths and it took quite a lot of trial and error to find the exact brand, strength, and dosage that works for me. It’s similar to a prescription medication in that way. It may take a little time to find what works for you.

I found that a small amount of CBD oil daily helps to keep my mood level, and then I take more as needed. When I know I’m going into a situation that can be a trigger for me, I take some of my oil about 20 minutes in advance. It’s been very helpful.

4. Essential oils

Speaking of oil, essential oils are another gift from nature that we can use to help ease anxiety. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient cultures in China, India, and Egypt. When I’m feeling stressed at home, I can often reset my body and brain by using some essential oils. This also helps my kids reset, so it’s a win-win!

At home, I use a diffuser with my oils. When I’m on-the-go, I love my lava rock jewelry. I just absorb a few drops of my favorite oil into the lava stone and I can smell it all day! Again, this is also great for my kids, too. They’ll often ask for my jewelry when we’re out in public or even riding in the car. They love it!

If you’re unfamiliar with essential oils, do some research. Different oils will have a different effect. Some oils can boost your mood and energy, while others can calm you down and help you sleep! You can change the oils to match what you need. Two of my favorite oils that help me calm down are lavender oil and a blend called Balance.

5. Plants

You may be seeing a recurring theme here. Not only can we benefit from plants by adding more of them to our diets and using plant oils, but we can also benefit from just surrounding ourselves with plants! Did you know that just having plants in your home can improve your mental health, improve your air quality, help you sleep better, boost your immune system and increase your productivity?! Amazing, right?

Gardening is another activity that can improve your mental health and help ease anxiety. You’ll get fresh air and sunlight, exercise, and the right kind of mental stimulation. There are two main modes of attention: focused attention and fascination. Focused attention is the kind you use at work, and too much of it can lead to stress. Fascination is the kind you use in hobbies and can help reduce anxiety when we’re feeling so much stress we can’t cope.

Gardening can help ground us and help us stay in the present moment. If you’re growing foods and herbs in your garden, you can also use the produce and herbs to heal you from the inside! One activity, but double the benefits for your mental health!

6. Animals

Whether it’s a household pet or a creature you meet in the wild, animals can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve found that having a dog in our home greatly reduces my anxiety levels. Having a warm pet snuggled up to me helps me slow down when I need to slow down. And on the flip side, my dog helps me get moving when I’m feeling sluggish. When the dog has to go out, I have no choice but to pull myself up and go walk him. It’s wonderful because once I’m outside for even a few minutes, I start to feel better. Pets can also be a needed distraction when you’re stuck in an anxiety loop. Distraction is a great way to interrupt a pattern or cycle, and pets are great for that!

If you’re not able to have a pet in the home, you can still enjoy the same stress-reducing benefits outside in nature. I’ve found so much joy just watching the birds that visit our bird feeder each day. We’ve become used to hearing their familiar chirps and songs each morning to start the day. We love watching them visit our window. Similarly, I’ve found it so comforting to visit the large waterfowl that live in the inlet nearby. I walk one trail regularly and often see the birds in their favorite spots. It’s wonderful to sit and watch them. It’s another activity that can help you embrace the present moment and stop the cycle of worrying. I’m not going to lie… I’m that person on the trails speaking out loud to each creature along the way. I always greet them with a “Hello, friend” and thank them for visiting with me. Yes, I do also say goodbye when I move on. (You talk to wild animals too, don’t you? It’s okay. I won’t tell.)

Check out this post for more info on the benefits of raising kids around animals.

7. Water

Get in the water! I know it sounds extremely cliché to say take a bath, but TAKE A BATH. Or a shower. Or even go for a swim, if that’s an option for you. The reason we even exist is because our planet has water. The planet is mostly water. Our bodies are mostly water. And water can be extremely calming for humans. If you have kids, you may have used a nice, warm bath to calm your baby. It can work just as well for adults!

I’ll be honest, I was never a bath-taker until recently but it has been an amazing tool for me when coping with anxiety. It took a lot of work (which sounds weird, I know) but I had to practice sitting in a bath! I was so used to moving quickly from one thing to the next, that it felt very uncomfortable to just sit in a bath and relax. If this sounds like you, try starting with 5-8 minutes and then add a few minutes each time you’re in there. I found that listening to meditation music or a podcast like Affirmation Pod with Josie also helps!

Again, I know this one also sounds cliché, but drink more water. Seriously. Go get some right now. I’ll wait.

Great! Your body thanks you for that!

Your body takes in a lot of toxins every day. Not only are they unhealthy for you physically, but they’re unhealthy for your mental health. Drinking lots of water is one way you can help wash out those toxins. Water also helps your brain by preventing dehydration, which can cloud up your thinking. Your brain is about 75 percent water! And 1 in 4 adults is dehydrated right now. You need lots of water to make sure oxygen is flowing to your brain and ensure it has enough energy to produce serotonin. Dehydration can also be a trigger for panic attacks, so be absolutely sure you’re getting enough water every day.

Treating anxiety with nature

I know it seems simple. Almost too simple. But truly the most effective treatment for my own depression and anxiety has been to get back to basics. Get back to nature. Get closer to the life our bodies and minds lived for millions of years, before modern-day society changed everything.

Three weeks. Do these things for three weeks consistently, and then reassess how you feel. I think you’ll be amazed.

And if you don’t see improvements, or ever find yourself in a situation where you’re truly struggling, please ask for help. These are difficult times for everyone. You’re not alone. You can find a list of free, 24-hour helplines here. Don’t ever be afraid to pick up the phone and call.

What are your favorite nature-based ways to improve your mental health?

About the author

Chelsea is a photographer, a mother of two busy boys, and a sunshine and fresh air addict. Her family lives in Virginia Beach, and they spend as much time outdoors as they possibly can! Most of their outdoor adventures involve exploring the beach, inlets, and nature trails nearby. They love biking, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, building forts, and playing in the sand! During the warm months, you can find them enjoying the Chesapeake Bay almost every night until long after the sun goes down. They’re doing our best to reduce their carbon footprint and always try to leave every trail cleaner than it was when they arrived.

You can find Chelsea online in the following locations:
Instagram: @dimples.and.the.blonde
Website: dimplesandtheblonde.com
RWMC posts: Chelsea Furlong
GOOD FOR NATURE, HIKE, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Ways to Reconnect With Nature as a Family
- September 29, 2020
This year has tested and challenged us in more ways than we ever could have imagined. There’s been so much uncertainty, stress, and exhaustion over the last six months and that’s taken a toll on our physical and mental health. As parents, we tend to feel the effects more deeply and have experienced more unprecedented change and pressure than ever before. Today, we have a beautiful story about what happens when a mom in healthcare experiences burnout. Amber of @PlayLiveBe and her kids dive into the science of nature where they find renewal and healing. In these wild spaces, they reconnect with nature as a family, create food memories, and tap into an overflowing wellspring of life. Here’s how they’re doing it and how you can reconnect with nature as a family.

Adjusting to a new normal

This year has been so unique and challenging in ways we ever anticipated. Every day is the same and also completely different and unique. Yet, I am aware of one consistent thread woven throughout 2020…the anticipation of change. Change comes in the form of news updates, illness, and job revision. It can be a family reorganization, new budget constraints, modified educational delivery, and more. For someone like me, change can be unpredictable and unsettling.

I am every bit a Type-A planner who schedules time for “exploration and adventure”. While I appreciate spontaneity and last-minute adventures, that’s not usually the way we head out the door. However, thanks to some awesome nature research, the last decade has helped me regain my life balance. Translated, this means I can now hike without planning too far ahead.

I am also an Emergency Medicine Provider on the frontlines. While I am accustomed to the usual stress of my job, nothing could have prepared me for this year and the changes and challenges 2020’s brought with it. In fact, these last 6 months have been a blur. While the world has shut down in many ways, health care has not and we are busier than ever.

Some days I work a “normal” shift. Other days I work in a parking lot. By noon, temps on the asphalt are nearly 140°F and the gauges inside our PPE suits read 20° higher. Today, I lose 10 pounds of sweat and am thankful for a short, 8-hour shift.

I survive the initial pandemic waves on pure adrenalin, coffee, and dark chocolate. But it isn’t long before sleep deprivation and exhaustion set in…and that is when my emotional state deteriorates. My organized, well-planned life is unraveling.

The healing power of nature

Disappointment, sadness, anxiety, anger and stress begin to predominate my mental state. And then I feel nothing at all.

After weeks, why can’t I remember how to rescue myself and reach for a sense of calm?

I don’t know, but I can say this: nature’s infinite beauty calls me. The power in her waterfalls, the melody of her twilight crickets, and the hum of her honeybees. Nature’s unparalleled ability to persevere is astounding.

So I do what speaks to my soul: I reach out to the natural world and find myself embraced by her seasonal rhythms. I reconnect with nature to heal and soothe.

The moon continues to scroll through phases, wildflowers bloom on cue, fruit hangs low on the vine, and rivers flow. It is how it always has been…recurring, stunningly beautiful, and healing.

Ways to reconnect with nature and heal as a family

Now, reconnected to something greater than myself, I feel my perception of the world begin to shift. I begin to experience positive emotions in abundance: calm, peace, focus, happiness, optimism, motivation and inspiration. This is what it feels like to come alive!

Time outside is sooo good for our brain. Not surprisingly, it also improves our physical health. A staggering amount of research supports the following:
- Time spent surrounded by nature improves vitamin D levels and reduces obesity.
- It lowers cholesterol and decreases our lifelong risk of heart disease.
- Nature calms ADHD and anxiety; it alleviates depression and makes us more creative.
As a mom, we know internal journeys are rarely afforded personal space in which to grow. 😊 So, let me tell you about some of the family-friendly nature adventures that helped pull me…and all of us…back to center. Here are a few ways you can reconnect with nature as a family and help heal your spirit, minds, and bodies.

Daily interaction with green spaces

I love the Scandinavian phrase “there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing”. It’s an expression I quote as my kids complain of being sent outside in the rain or heat. The same phrase we say before hiking…we walk through the woods in all kinds of weather; except of course during lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes. (10 out of 10 do NOT recommend.)

In her book, The Nature Fix, Florence Williams promotes a concept called the nature pyramid as a recommended guide for ensuring adequate doses of nature to all humankind. It is comprised of gradually increasing time in nature…and it works along a dose curve. Meaning, the more time we spend in nature the more beneficial returns we are afforded.

Williams says daily interaction with green spaces in the form of a park bench or water fountain “help us destress, find focus and lighten our mental fatigue.” This has been our daily routine for the last 7 years: breakfast followed by outside free play. It is during this time when my kids make mud pies, dig trenches and collect acorns. This is so beneficial but according to the nature dose curve, we can do better.

The next level of the pyramid is similar to the Finnish model of weekly, hour-long outings in quieter spaces. This is when we visit a regional park with a natural water source. We pack lunch, sit by the river and enjoy time away from responsibility. By frequenting the same natural space we are able to observe seasonal rhythms in the plants and animals where we play.

Moving further up the nature pyramid we find monthly excursions to natural areas, time here is measured in hours. Scientists who study interactions between our immune system and forest immersions like this are completely inundated by positive research. The results are astounding and cannot be replicated by streaming a babbling brook on your big screen TV.

Hike near water

At the very top of Williams’ research-based nature pyramid are the rare but essential multi-day bursts of wildness we need once a year. Intense bursts of immersion in nature, near a natural water source, will “rearrange our very core, catalyze our hopes and dreams, fill us with awe and offer reassurance of our place in the universe.”

This is our brain on nature and it’s breathtakingly amazing.

As scientists quantify nature’s effects on our mood, well-being, and ability to think we are reminded of the numerous aspects of life a hefty dose of nature can help. These include memory, planning, ability to create, daydream, and focus.

It is no surprise that my self-prescribed intense nature therapy is transformational to my outlook on life. I have been pulled to a happier, healthier, more content mental space after spending time outdoors.

Of all the places my family wanders, acorn collecting and backyard mud pits are the most common. However, hikes near water remain our favorite! Hiking is so incredibly beneficial to your physical and mental well-being. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in your environment and reconnect with nature. Add some water, whether it’s a babbling brook, a little pond, a beautiful lake or a river and it elevates the experience for you and the kids.

Slippery rocks and uneven surfaces provide massive stimuli to a growing brain while the sound of running water soothes us all. Throwing rocks is a blast for the kids and can provide endless fun. Plants and animals that live in and near the water add to the excitement and provide opportunities to learn.

Connect outside with food

Some of my most compelling childhood memories exist at the intersection of food and emotion. These moments of consciousness are packed with incredible detail. Each given $1 a week, my brother and I bought chocolate coins and bubblegum cigars; very rarely, we saved the money. Sometimes we were able to snag our favorite treats…those sold in frozen form.

My memory of the Pink Panther ice cream is inexplicably linked to grass-stained feet and mosquito-bitten legs. We chased the unforgettable sound of an ice cream truck, muddy arms waving enthusiastically over our heads, a wrinkled dollar bill clutched in our fist.

That incredibly delicious frozen bar tasted more like cough syrup than cherry, but it was all I ever wanted. Round ears set atop a light pink face with not one, BUT TWO gumball eyes. I tried in vain to make that purchase last all night; I even licked the drips running down my arm.

This is the junction of food and emotion; it is what scientists refer to as “the strongest associative memories you can make”. These food memories are not just an illustration of intersectionality they represent a critical juncture that invokes powerful memories of lived experience.

It is my hope that some of our outdoor family adventures will converge with our time in the kitchen to create some of the most intense memories my children’s subconscious will ever establish. One way we help our kids understand seasonality is with a backyard garden. Growing your own food in an incredibly powerful way to reconnect with nature.

Though small, we care for this space with great responsibility. We tend the soil, plant the seeds and all the tiny sprouts then we wait with great anticipation for harvest to begin. We reconnect with nature through growing a garden and caring for the earth. It is here we find that kids are more willing to try new fruits and veggies if they have established a connection before it lands on their plate.

We watch cucumber plants unfurl their vines and attach tendrils for support. We celebrate the first yellow flower and pollinator arrival. Because of this connection, my kids now love cucumbers in all shapes and forms…munching them fresh off the vine, as an acidic pickle or sprinkled with sea salt and eaten as a snack.

Our nature walks remind us that the first honeysuckle drenched breeze of early summer means blackberry vines are flowering too. It won’t be long before we will walk, buckets in hand, along a path covered in wild berries. We taste as we go and learn to look for ripe fruit that has turned from tart red to sweet purple.

Through berry stuffed mouths I hear my Little People ask: “Mama, can we make kid-sized pies with some of these?”

Yes, we certainly can! Back in the kitchen, we work together. As flour and butter combine, somehow ingredients find themselves everywhere. How does that even happen?! Again, we taste as we go and talk about the importance of keeping this dough cold…heat from the oven hits ice-cold pockets of butter and creates steam.

This is the science that magically creates flaky layers in our pie crust. Before long we pull delectable little pockets of summertime goodness out of the oven. Handpicked blackberries tucked inside crisp little shells. These hand pies practically dance on the pan…glittered with demerara sugar you might start dancing too!

Perhaps one day when my kids are fully grown they will pick fresh berries alongside honeysuckle flowers, bite into a crisp pastry shell, taste blueberry cheesecake or drink sumac-ade and acquire some serious gastronomic déjà vu.

Remember your why

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the world gets busy again. In those weeks where I existed mainly in the blue, the pressure was mounting and I had to withdraw from nonessential tasks. What started as an innocent attempt to learn from groups with great ideas quickly became something larger than myself.

I was no longer forming my own thoughts so I hit pause and removed social media platforms from my phone. During my social media fast, I worked on listening to myself think and on cultivating real relationships. What a wild thought!

These incredible people supported me, held me accountable, felt my loss, and celebrated victories. Rather than stare at a screen, I strengthened bonds with my family. We immersed ourselves in nature, became allies with the land and the food it provides.

We visited farmers’ markets, walked in rivers, danced in the rain, enjoyed an isolated beach, picked tomatoes, read tons of books and we played. Golly jeepers, we played; never before has fun been so important. We reconnected to nature and the physical beautiful world around us. The best part…I began to feel again.

Throughout this time of reflection, I was able to sort through my emotions and remember my why, my raison d’être, my reason for existence.

As it turns out my heart was there all along; but as I increased the noise in my life I lost touch with her voice.

I returned to the world of social media, not surprisingly my first action was to delete anything toxic: people, groups, organizations. I even deleted entire social platforms. But I added so much more.

The people, food, locations and ideas on my feed are more colorful now than ever before. I follow more National Parks and organizations committed to preserving these incredible spaces. I follow mamas who are getting it right: those who share real stories…real images…demonstrate life balance…and immerse their families in nature.

Importantly, I share an authentic version of myself.

All of these changes have given me a new way to reconnect with nature in a way that feels genuine and refreshing.

The beginning of a new opportunity

Just as the moon moves across the sky in phases, so too was this walk with emotions in my life. Tonight is a New Moon; a dark sky, perhaps symbolic of the season from which I just emerged.

But this is a sky filled with incredible promise. Tonight will be dark but the stars will shine brightly in celebration of a full moon to come. My family and I have been given a new beginning; an opportunity to reimagine the framework of our life. A chance to reconnect with nature in new ways and fully appreciate and understand the significance of the world around us.

The future will have uncertainties but one thing is sure: we will remain connected to nature and each other. These wild spaces and the food memories it provides deliver energy to our soul; for that wellspring of life, we are incredibly thankful.

These are the elements that sustain us, maintain our focus, and fill our hearts with contentment.

So now the real questions…

How are YOU doing this year?
Are you and your family reconnecting with nature?
How can we help?

About the author

Amber is a seeker of moments and a dream chaser. She is a lover of wild spaces, good food, red wine, and dark chocolate. She worldschools her two kids (2^nd and K), volunteers a bit too much, and is an Emergency Medicine Provider working with the Southeast Region’s largest COVID-19 response team. For more real-life adventures you can follow Amber and her family on Instagram @PlayLiveBe or check out their website at http://www.playlivebe.com.
BIKE, HIKE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WATER
Exploring the Outdoors with Medically-Complex Children
- July 21, 2020
Exploring the outdoors with a medically-complex child can seem overwhelmingly hard and scary. There are so many considerations to take into account concerning the health and safety of your kid. However, getting outside and into nature has been proven time and again to help both children and adults lead happier and healthier lives. The benefits of nature are immense and while it’s never easy to get outside and explore with a medically-complex child, it’s almost always worth it. Today, we have Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of two, here sharing her story of how their family gets outside with a medically-complex child and how nature has been beneficial for the whole family.

Difficulties of caring for medically complex kids

Caring for a medically complex child can be stressful and isolating. Parents and caregivers often experience intense emotional stress as they navigate their child’s medical condition. Witnessing a child’s pain, discomfort, or limitations can be emotionally draining. Medical care for complex conditions can be physically demanding. Administering medications, managing medical equipment, and assisting with activities of daily living can take a toll on caregivers’ physical well-being. It also requires a significant time commitment. Frequent doctor appointments, therapies, and hospital stays can disrupt daily routines and limit caregivers’ availability for other responsibilities. Plus, the costs associated with medical care, treatments, therapies, and specialized equipment can place a significant financial burden on families.

However, despite these challenges, caregivers of medically complex children also exhibit immense resilience, dedication, and love. Seeking out support networks, accessing respite care, prioritizing self-care, and spending time outside are important strategies to help caregivers cope with the difficulties they face.

The benefits of getting outdoors

The benefits of getting kids outside have been well documented, and the same applies to medically-complex kids. Fresh air, natural light, and physical activity can help enhance their overall well-being, strengthen muscles, and boost immune function. Being in nature can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, which is especially important for children dealing with medical challenges.

Medically-complex children often have limited social interactions due to their conditions. Outdoor activities can provide a platform for them to interact with family members and other children, improving their social skills and emotional well-being.

Nature also provides a rich sensory environment that can be particularly valuable for children with medical complexities. Different textures, sounds, smells, and sights in the outdoors can help stimulate their senses and promote cognitive development. Medically-complex children can engage in various activities that stimulate their curiosity and cognitive abilities. They can learn about plants, animals, geography, and more, fostering intellectual growth.

Benefits for the entire family

Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children is not only beneficial to the child but for the whole family. As a family, getting outside can help to reduce stress and increase physical activity for the whole family without a financial burden. Caring for a medically-complex child can be emotionally taxing. Spending time outdoors offers a reprieve from stress and caregiving responsibilities, allowing family members to recharge and rejuvenate.

Engaging in outdoor activities can promote a positive outlook on life. It’s a way to focus on what the child can do rather than their medical challenges, fostering a sense of optimism within the family. Outdoor activities provide quality family time away from the distractions of daily life. And sharing outdoor experiences creates lasting memories and strengthens family bonds.

Learning how to get outside with a medically-complex child

Learning when and how to introduce children to the natural world can be daunting. Understanding your limits as a caregiver and your child’s limits may be a slow process, but it will be well worth it. Understanding your own limits as a caregiver involves acknowledging your capabilities and resources.

No matter what you’re doing, it’s essential to prioritize safety at all times. Medically complex children may have specific medical needs or mobility challenges that need to be taken into account when exploring the outdoors. By recognizing your own limitations and seeking guidance when necessary, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared to handle any situation that might arise.

Every child is unique, and medically complex children often have varying levels of tolerance for different outdoor experiences. By taking the time to understand your child’s limits, you can tailor outdoor activities to match their comfort and abilities. This might involve starting with short and simple outings and gradually increasing the duration and complexity as your child becomes more accustomed to the natural world.

Introducing your child to the natural world doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. It’s a slow process that involves gradually exposing your child to different outdoor environments and activities. This allows them to adapt to new sensory experiences, sounds, and textures at a pace that feels comfortable for them. Here are some fun activities and tips my family has found throughout our journey with rare disease, bone marrow transplant, and isolation.

Get started in the backyard

Getting started adventuring outdoors with medically-complex children can be the hardest part. Where do you even begin and how do you know if it’s safe? There are a lot of precautions to take when exploring outdoors with medically-complex children, but the good news is that you don’t have to go far to enjoy some good quality outdoor time. Your own backyard is a great place to start while staying within your comfort zone. This is a great place to start that allows you the safety of home, combined with fresh air and sunshine.

Start a garden

One of our favorite backyard activities is gardening. Planting and weeding a garden is a simple and wonderful way for children to get outside and learn. Growing their own food, and being proud of their harvest, may help with picky eaters or those with food aversions to be more open to trying new things. As long as the dirt stays out of cuts or sores, it’s perfectly safe for kids to handle. You can use gloves, waterproof bandages or Tegaderm to help keep out dirt and germs when handling dirt. Letting kids pick out their own gardening gloves can get them excited for the job while also teaching them about safety.

Backyard fun

If the maintenance of a garden is too much for your little one, consider going outside each morning to stretch or do some yoga. Sit in the backyard on a blanket and read or listen to music. Watch the clouds drift by or have a picnic. These are simple ways to fit in that backyard outdoor time and get kids comfortable with nature in a safe environment.

Outdoors in your community

Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children doesn’t mean you have to go deep into the woods or to exotic locations. If you are ready to get out and away from the house, but aren’t sure how to safely start, consider local parks.

Many community parks offer safe activities that don’t involve coming into contact with people. Going to the park at non-peak hours of the day will also help. Non-peak hours may differ depending on the time of year and where you live, so you may have to do a bit of research on this (or trial and error).

Explore local parks and trails

Most community parks have paved or gravel paths for walking or bike riding. Bike riding is a fun way for the whole family to get out and be active. If a child isn’t physically able to ride a typical bike, that’s not a problem!

Try asking a physical therapist or occupational therapist about adaptations that can be made to a bike to allow your child to ride. Enclosed bike trailers are also a good option for kids that can’t ride themselves or for longer/harder rides. This way they can still sit and enjoy the ride and nature all around them. Don’t forget the helmets no matter which option you choose.

Searching for wildlife

Observing wildlife is a great way to help your medically-complex child explore the outdoors get your kids interested in nature. When you’re outside, bring along a pair of binoculars and a journal for birdwatching and wildlife sighting. Have your children write down or draw a picture of the different birds that they see. Pick up field guides to help you identify birds, bugs and other local wildlife. For younger kids, turn this into a game to keep their attention and interest.

Some community parks have small ponds that are really fun for kids to explore and find wildlife. These ponds are great for searching for minnows, fish, tadpoles, frogs, and toads. There are also usually interesting birds and bugs around water. Remind your child to look but don’t touch and keep a safe distance from the water, if they can/shouldn’t swim or get wet.

Hiking with medically-complex kids

Hiking is one of our family’s favorite outdoor activities. Hiking with medically-complex kids involves a little more planning than the previously-mentioned activities, but it’s worth it. Many state and national parks have handicap-accessible trails that are great for medically-complex children. Check out this helpful like for info on national parks accessibility.

Paved paths make it easier to avoid bugs and poisonous plants. Knowing the types of trails that are available and their length is important when choosing a hike. Make sure to set realistic goals for both you and your child. Start on short flat paved (easy) trails to get a feel for how fast you can do them. Work up from there.

When preparing for the hike, long pants or socks are a must. A long sleeve shirt is also a good option if the temperature allows. While these items are good for kids in general, they’re especially important for medically complex children. Skin is the first defense against infection. You’ll want to protect your child’s skin from being cut by twigs or stones, getting bug bites or touched by poisonous leaves.

You’ll also want to avoid the crowds and the hottest time of day when hiking. Usually, the best time to go hiking while avoiding contact with others is in the early morning. After your hike, be sure to check for ticks, bites, scrapes, cuts and rashes. Treat immediately, if necessary.

Water activities

Water activities such as swimming, boating, and water sports can be a lot of fun for medically-complex kids when done safely, with certain precautions taken. However, lines like ports, central lines, and feeding tubes can make water activities more difficult.

When my son had his Broviac line, we used aqua guard for a while but found that Press ‘N Seal worked the best for keeping water away from his line. We simply wrapped it around the end, then wrapped it around his chest where the line entered him. Now we use Tegaderm to cover infusion sites and small abrasions to keep dirty water from causing infections.

Unfortunately, lakes and rivers aren’t always the cleanest or safest for medically-complex kids. You’ll want to be cleared by your doctor before participating in any water activities, just to be on the safe side.

Talk to your doctor about new things

Don’t be scared to ask your doctor if you can try new things outdoors with a medically-complex child. I assumed that swimming in a lake would be a hard NO for my son after his bone marrow transplant. I asked his doctor if he would be allowed to swim and surprisingly (at two years post-transplant), his doctor said YES!

He was allowed to swim in the lake as long as he understood the importance of not drinking the water. We definitely talked to him about this and stressed the importance. Now, swimming in the lake is one of my son’s favorite activities and it keeps him very active! I’m so glad we asked about it!

Sprinklers and splash pads

Sprinklers and splash pads are other fun places to visit to enjoy some water fun. Most splash pads are handicapped accessible or have accessible activities. As with other activities try to go at non-peak times to avoid crowds and the high heat of the day. Also, try calling the park to see if they allow private rentals or have certain dedicated hours for disabled or medically-complex kids.

If you don’t have access to a splash pad, you can turn on the sprinkler in your yard and let the kids run and play with the water. Sometimes, something as simple as a sprinkler will bring your kids hours of fun and enjoyment!

Activities around water (but not in it)

Exploring the outdoors with medically-complex children doesn’t mean you have to get wet and dirty. There are so many activities that can be done around water without jumping in. Fishing is a fun activity that can be great for kids of all ages. Depending on where you live, fishing can be done all year round in any number of locations. You can fish off a boat, the bank, or a dock. Some places require a fishing license for adults but most do not for kids.

Birdwatching and rock skipping are also fun active activities to consider if you are near the water. When visiting the ocean/beach, don’t let the sand slow you down. There are all-terrain stabilizer tips that can be placed on the ends of walkers, crutches, and canes to make walking on sand easier. You can find these at most medical equipment stores or even Amazon. There are also places that will allow you to rent wheelchairs that go on sand!

What to bring when adventuring with a medically-complex child

Before setting out on your adventure outdoors with medically-complex children, make a list of all the things you need to bring the night before your outing. Medically-complex kids can need quite a few things that aren’t on your typical outdoor adventure list. On the day of, make sure you check everything off that list. If you will be bringing medicine, injections, or feeds, try to have them pre-portioned and ready to administer. This way, it can be done easily while you were out and about.

Bring a cooler. Not only for water but so that you can keep medicines in there too. Diaper bags that have built-in coolers or insulated bags work best for us. Set your alarms so you don’t miss a medication time. When you are out and about, time seems to move differently than when you are at home on your own schedule. Set alarms to remind you when to give medicines or feeds.

Lastly, bring some extras of everything – extra bandages, extra Tegaderm, extra socks, extra clothes, extra snacks. Whatever you may need, having extra is a great way to ensure peace of mind for parents and makes your outing more enjoyable when you’re not stressed about time or not having everything you need.

Climate-controlled learning about nature

If you are interested in teaching your child about nature but aren’t ready to go out in it, there are still options. Give your local conservation office or nature preserve area a call. Most of these offices will allow you to have a private tour when you explain your individual circumstances. Both of our local conservation offices have large bird-viewing windows. These are great because they allow you to sit inside in a controlled environment and still enjoy nature and wildlife.

A lot of small local nature centers also have injured or rehabilitating animals that they use for demonstration and teaching. These animals can include birds, turtles, lizards, snakes, and small mammals. Many nature centers will bring these out so that kids can see wildlife up close in a safe environment. Permanently disabled or rehabilitating animals are also a great way to teach children about their own disabilities and how to adapt and thrive.

Gettting outside helps the entire family

Having a medically-complex child with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or rare disease can be stressful. Isolation from people for health reasons doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Sometimes, it just takes a little extra planning, some accommodation (and compromise), and some practice to keep the fun going.

Getting outdoors and enjoying nature has been proven to decrease stress, increase happiness, and improve children’s development. Outdoor adventures can teach children not to put limits on themselves or their abilities.

Exploring the outdoors is not only safe, but it’s a great way for the whole family to learn and grow together.

How do you explore the outdoors with a medically-complex child?

About the author

Meghan is a country-living mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois. She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping their in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors has been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
Instagram: @meghangarriott
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor Activities for Babies
- November 13, 2019
We all know the importance of getting your kids outside and into nature. The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are not limited to children. They also extend to new parents and babies. Taking an infant on outdoor adventures may sound crazy or overwhelming, but we’re here to tell you that even small amounts of time spent outdoors will do wonders for you and your baby’s health, mood, and spirit. Today, we’re sharing why it’s so important to get your baby outside, tips for taking your baby outside and 15 simple outdoor activities for babies that a new parent will easily be able to incorporate into daily life.

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Benefits to babies of being outside

There are so many wonderful benefits of being outside for babies. During the first few years of life, infants and toddlers are trying to make sense of the world as their brain synapses form at a rapid rate. These synapses are formed based on the richness of the child’s sensory environment. Spending time outside is an exciting sensory experience for babies. It gives your little one the chance to look around and learn from every sight, noise, and sound.

Infants need interesting things to look at, as well as a variety of sounds, temperatures, and smells. Research shows that being outside gives them a more meaningful sensory experience than being indoors. Imagine the difference between lying on a blanket outside watching the flickering leaves of a tree, feeling the sunshine and the breeze, hearing a dog bark nearby and smelling freshly-cut grass. Now contrast that to lying on a blanket in the house and looking up at a ceiling or mobile. The sensory experiences cannot be matched.

Babies that spend time outside are often healthier and sick less often. The fresh air and sunshine (Vitamin D) can do wonders for anyone’s health. Spending time outdoors also gives your baby an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. Re-circulated air in closed environments and germs on commonly touched indoor items are the main causes of children getting sick. In fresh, outdoor air, babies do not have to rebreathe the germs of others, and the chance for spreading infection, viruses, and illnesses is reduced.

And if those weren’t enough to convince you to take your baby outside right away, research also shows that babies sleep better at night if they’ve had some fresh air and sunshine during the day (particularly in the afternoon). The daylight helps babies make the day/night adjustment and get on a more consistent schedule.

Tips for taking babies outside in extreme temperatures

Before you take your baby outside, here are a few things to consider to ensure a safe outdoor environment for them.

If it’s hot or sunny, consider staying in a cool shady location. Use a sunhat (we love these “Noggins” by Veyo Kids) or umbrella to block the sun’s harmful rays. Most pediatricians don’t recommend sunscreen for babies until they’re at least 6 months. After that, we recommend this brand of baby sunscreen. If you’re baby-wearing, be sure to use a baby carrier that’s breathable (we love the Solly wrap) and your baby is properly situated and isn’t overly dressed. Make sure to limit your baby’s time in the heat and exposure to sun. If it’s cold, make sure your baby is properly bundled and warm. We love these winter one-piece kickee pants quilted coverall for extra warmth in colder months or this full-body fleece from North Face.

Outdoor activities for babies

You’ve probably heard us shout from the rooftops about the amazing benefits of unstructured outdoor play for kids. And while that sounds fantastic once your kids are old enough to play by themselves, what do you do outside with a baby? Luckily, there are a variety of fun and simple outdoor activities for babies that you can do with very little prep work or planning. Just having a few ideas of easy activities can sometimes be all the encouragement and motivation you need to give it a try! We’re here to show you just how easy* it can be to get outside with your baby. However, just remember that for babies, the actual activity is not as important as being together, being outdoors and giving your baby new experiences.

*Depending on how things are going with your little one, taking a baby outside might sound easy or incredibly overwhelming. Sometimes the simplest things can feel like too much when you have a newborn. This list of activities is not meant to stress you out or add one more thing to your to-do list. These are merely things that you are probably already doing that you can take outside to add an extra layer of sensory experience and get you some fresh air and sunshine.

1. Take a walk

One of the simplest things you can do outside at any age, is to take your baby outside for a walk with you. Outdoor activities for babies don’t have to be complicated or need a lot of planning. Whether your little one is in the stroller, baby carrier or just in your arms, a short walk around your yard or neighborhood will do you both a world of good. Simply being outside is a wonderful way to engage baby’s senses without overstimulating them. There’s something about just being outdoors that seems to calm babies. If your little one is having a hard time, melting down, crying for no reason – go outside! This is my go-to trick when our kids were babies (and it still works with school-aged kids!). A walk outside in the fresh air is more beneficial than you’ll ever know! Trust me, try it!

2. Eat outside

You’re already feeding your baby multiple times a day, so if possible, take a few of those feedings outdoors. If you’re a first-time mom trying to get the hang of nursing or feeding your baby, by all means, just do what you need to do to get your baby fed and stay sane. But once you get the hang of things, consider a change of scenery and feed your baby outside. Start in your backyard and move on to park benches or next to a stream once you get comfortable. Babies spend an unbelievable amount of time eating, so why not make the most of it and get some fresh air while you’re at it.

Once your baby is old enough to start purees or solids, continue to feed them outside! Move the high chair outside or set them in a Bumbo seat if they need support. Eating outside is a particularly great outdoor activity for babies because the cleanup is a breeze! No more scrubbing floors or walls when food gets spit or thrown!

3. Tummy time

This is another activity that you’re probably already doing inside, so take it outside! Grab a blanket and some toys and move the action outdoors. Babies will love reaching for and touching new things, like grass and leaves. And when they’re finished with their tummy time, roll them on their back and let them see the sky.

4. Take a nap

If you want your baby to truly benefit from all the wonders of being outdoors, try napping outside! Bring out a travel crip (we love this one from Baby Bjorn) or just set up a safe space on the ground for your baby to sleep. Babies in Scandanavian countries take naps in prams year-round as young as tw0-weeks old and in temperatures as low as -4F for up to three hours! Research by Marjo Tourula of the University of Oulu, Finland, shows that frigid napping not only promotes better daytime sleeping, but it also increases the duration of sleep. Other benefits, not yet borne out by research, purportedly include children being happier, more energetic, able to sleep better through the night, and capable of snoozing in any environment, even loud and bright.

5. Water play

If your babies are anything like mine, they love water! If it’s warm outside, consider giving your baby a few bowls or trays of water to touch and splash with their hands. A baby pool filled with just a few inches of water could occupy my little ones for hours! Add measuring cups, spoons and scoops for extra fun. If your baby can stand, try a water table (we’ve had this one for years). And older babies love the novelty of the hose. There’s something about running water that absolutely fascinates them!

6. Visit a playground

Babies need time and fun places to work on developing new large motor skills, such as crawling, pulling up and climbing. Playgrounds can be perfect places for babies to experience new surfaces and textures, climbing on different levels and sliding! Plus, once your little one can sit up and has good head and neck control, try the swings! The swinging sensation is sure to bring on big smiles to your little one.

Pro tip: Consider visiting playgrounds during off-hours (school hours during the week), when there are not as many big kids around.

7. Read a book

Spread out a blanket under a shady tree and read your baby a few of her favorite books outside. Babies enjoy reading books anywhere, but taking them outside adds a whole new layer of fun and connection. Consider reading books that take place in nature, so you can point out natural elements (trees, grass, leaves) in the story as well as around you.

8. Nature hike

If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious than a walk around your neighborhood, consider taking your baby for a hike. Hiking is one of the easiest outdoor activities for babies and doesn’t require much beyond what you’d need for a walk or quick outing. Hikes don’t have to be long, intense or elaborate (we recommend that they’re not). Wear baby in a sling/wrap or backpack carrier (we love this Osprey backpack) and simply go for a walk in the woods, nature center or local park. Choose a hiking trail where you can interact with nature and point out all the different sights (trees, flowers) and sounds (birds, water) to your baby. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature will stimulate their senses and the motion may even lull them to sleep. Remember to take your time and don’t overdo it.

9. Jam session

Most babies are very intrigued by sound and making noise. Grab a few toy instruments and head outside for a fun music-making jam session. For instance, maracas, tambourines, keyboards and drums all make for excellent baby-friendly instruments. However, you don’t need special tools to jam out. Pots, pans, metal bowls and wooden spoons are also baby-safe and make plenty of entertaining noise.

10. Sensory experience

Babies benefit greatly from new sensory experiences and the outdoors is a great place to explore. Have your baby sit on a blanket with a pinecone, a few large rocks, some sticks, etc. Encourage her to touch and explore the different textures. Let your baby feel the grass with her bare feet and touch it. Allow her to touch, feel and taste snow. Hand him dry leaves to crunch in his hands. These activities are great for babies to be able to experience sensory experiences at their own level.

11. Observe a busy place

Once your baby is old enough to take in his surroundings and not get crazy overwhelmed by activity, take him somewhere busy to observe the sights, sounds and smells of a new place. From a safe vantage point, let your baby discover the hustle and bustle of a busy farmers market on a Saturday morning. Watch and listen to heavy equipment work at a construction site. Take your baby to your local zoo or aquarium to look around at all the animals in action (as well as the zoo of people all around). Or go to the beach to experience the sound and feel of the water, as well as the sounds of the people, seagulls and waves.

12. Play with balls and bubbles

Some of the simplest and easiest toys for little ones to play with are balls and bubbles. Take your ball game outside for new fun variations. Roll balls back and forth on a flat surface or throw them and watch them bounce. Bring out a variety of balls of different colors, textures, and sizes. Outside is the perfect place because there is plenty of space to spread out and nothing to break. Add some bubbles to an outdoor experience and watch your little one delight in the experience of touching and popping them. Bubbles are a super simple and easy outdoor activity for babies that you can do anytime and anywhere.

13. Mow the lawn

Another easy way to get your baby outside is just to take them along on the activities you’re already doing. One of our favorite outdoor activities for babies to do when our kids were little was to “help” daddy mow the lawn. My husband would put the baby in a carrier and go about mowing the yard, as usual. The noises, smells, and sights they experience while doing this simple chore are thrilling for a little one. So make sure your baby has protective eyewear to keep them safe from any flying debris. And once your little one is old enough to walk, get them a little push mower to use and let them mow by themselves! This toy has been a big hit with all my kids and lasted years.

14. Garden, plant and weed

Let your little one participate in gardening and observe you taking care of your garden. From the earliest age, my kids loved lying on a blanket outside or in a bouncer while I worked in the garden. Just spending time outside together doing things that makes the parent feel good is a great outdoor activity for any baby. Little ones can listen to the natural outdoor sounds, feel the breeze, look up at the sky and watch the birds. Or play some music and have a little dance party while you weed! Talk to your little one while you plant and explain what you’re doing and way. Of course, she won’t understand, but that’s not the point! Show her your harvest and even let her taste it (if she’s old enough).

15. Practice walking

When your little one is ready to start walking, take her outside! Outdoor activities for babies don’t have to be complicated. Let them do what’s natural for them, but take it outside! Learning to walk outdoors gives her more space and fewer sharp edges. Start off in the grass, which is a nice soft surface for the inevitable trips and tumbles. Although don’t be surprised if your child becomes more interested in the grass, leaves, and sticks she finds on the ground and doesn’t get very far! Once she’s more steady on her feet, try the sidewalk or driveway. Moreover, if she needs a little assistance pulling up or balancing, walker toys move great outdoors.

What are your favorite easy outdoor activities for babies?
INFORMATION, OUTDOORS INSIDE, URBAN NATURE
20 Ways to Incorporate Nature into your Daily Life
- April 4, 2019
While getting you outdoors with your kids is our main mission, we are also parents and know that’s not always easy or possible. Sometimes weather, work, illness, injuries, lack of daylight, chores or other circumstances keep us from getting outside as much as we want (or at all). In those instances, there are tons of ways you can bring the outdoors in. Today, we have Jessica Jackson here sharing 20 simple ways that you can easily incorporate more nature into your daily life and routine. These tips are great for anyone (even those spending tons of time outside) wanting more nature in their homes and indoor lives.

Getting out can be difficult

This past winter began with the best intentions of spending lots of time outside and doing lots of outdoor exploration. We were excited to bear witness to the changes that happen during the cold season. We love learning about creatures and wintertime habitats as they survive the cold temperatures. Watching the sky colors change, catching snowflakes, and sliding about on frozen paths were all on our winter bucket list. There is so much beauty and wonder in our world during the winter season.

However, as the winter passed, we also began to feel it’s brutality. Record-breaking lows, piles and piles of snow, slippery ice, power outages, school closures, early darkness and dangerous road conditions kept us inside more than we expected. As beautiful as the winter can be, it can also feel isolating and dreary. We faced one polar vortex after another. The negative temperatures and brutal conditions halted our winter outdoor play. Even after properly bundling up, sometimes it was just too much for the kids to endure and enjoy.

This is also the time when seasonal depression can set in. We can feel trapped in our own homes and hopeless in winter. We crave sun, warmth, and the reawakening that spring brings. Kids feel this, too. After the initial appeal of sensory bins, indoor tea parties, new holiday toys, living room obstacle courses, dance parties, and basement forts has worn off, we just want to get back outside and into nature. We desperately want to hike, camp, fish, garden, swim, and enjoy the beauty of our outdoor world.

Incorporating nature into your life

I’ve found that there are may ways to combat the wintertime woes, which can also be used year-round to improve your mood and mindset. Incorporating more nature and natural elements into our daily rhythm has been therapeutic and rejuvenating. Bringing bits of the outdoors into your “indoor life” is a great way to stay connected to all the beautiful things nature provides. These elements reduce stress, relieve anxiety and refocus your attention when it’s not practical or possible to get outside. By incorporating these ideas into your daily life and routine, you can keep a healthy, positive outdoor mindset year-round.

Here are a few small things you can do to incorporate nature into your daily indoor life.

1. Sprinkle plants in every room

Bringing more plants into your home is a great way to incorporate nature into your life. Pick out a selection of plants that are easy to grow indoors. Consider where you’ll place them in your home and how much sunlight they’ll get. Make taking care of the plants a family-centered activity. Let your children choose plants for their bedrooms and let them be responsible for their own plants. Feeling ambitious, try growing an avocado from a seed. Adding plants throughout your home is such a fun hobby and a great way to get your kids involved. Plus, plants help reduce the number of airborne pollutants in your home, so it’s a win for everyone!

2. Choose natural items as decor

Another way to incorporate nature into your home is to use natural items as home decor. When choosing storage bins, accessories, and colors for your interiors, consider choosing natural-made or natural-looking items. Select a color palette inspired by your favorite garden or landscape. White and grey stone pair well in minimalist settings. Wood furnishings can be dressed up or down to suit any theme. Taupe, tan and camel are trendy neutral beachy colors that pair well with nature-inspired wall coverings or rugs. Incorporate decorative items made from wood, stone, antlers, branches/stumps, driftwood, pebbles or other textures found in nature. Paint a mural of trees or frame pressed flowers. Buy wicker baskets for storage and shelves.

3. Natural scents

You can also bring the smell of nature into your home. You can find candles, wax melters, diffusers, and sprays in many natural scents like pine, rain, fresh cut grass, citrus, oregano, lavender or lilac. There are so many different applications to bring scents into your home to excite your sense of smell and fill your space with something fresh and natural.

4. Nature journaling

Nature journaling is a great hobby that you can do both in and outdoors with a focus on nature’s fine details. Gather a quality-made journal, pens, colored pencils, and some watercolors. Or just some scrap paper and your kids’ crayons! No need to be fancy. Take your time and draw nature. You can draw what you see, copy from a photo or sketch from memory. If you need extra inspiration, go sit in a forest and journal about every detail. If you can’t draw, find a nature-themed coloring book – there are great ones for both kids and adults. Getting creative by practicing this stress-relieving form of expression is a great way to unwind with nature.

5. Indoor Herb Gardens

Incorporate nature into your life by bringing the garden indoors. You might be surprised to know how easy it is to grow edible plants in your home. All year! Simple clay pots of herbs next to a window are always a good place to start. Basil is an easy choice and will provide lots of yummy leaves for salads, pesto, pastas, and more. Turn your countertop or windowsill into a small garden with pots of your favorite herbs such as rosemary, mint, and thyme. You can also regrow some vegetables from kitchen scraps. Try your green thumb on regrowing celery stalks, green onions and romaine hearts from leftovers. Countertop hydroponics gardens are another neat way to garden indoors. It’s easier than you think to grow everything you need to make your own salsas, salads, and more inside your home!

6. Edible flowers and fresh herbs

Another way to bring the outdoors in is to opt for edible fresh flowers and herbs to garnish and cook with. You can do this easily by freezing them directly into ice cubes to add to your drinks. You can cut up herbs and flowers and use them to brighten up a salad or garnish a plate. Adding these bright bites into your daily meals will not only please your palate but give you a boost of antioxidants and vitamins. You can grow your own (see above) or find them at a natural grocer or your local farmer’s market.

7. Soundscapes

Tap into your auditory sense by bringing the sound of the outdoors inside. Create a nature-themed playlist that you can listen to at home, in the office, or on your commute to work. Nature has its own music – ocean/wave sounds, gentle rain, whale songs, thunderstorms, bird calls or a crackling campfire. Close your eyes, listen carefully and connect yourself to the sound of nature for instant relaxation and stress-relief. Kids really enjoy these sounds, too and you can incorporate them into so many daily activities. Next time you’re playing with your kids, turn on the playlist and see how they react. Pretend you’re SCUBA diving while listening to whale sounds. Or hide out in a blanket fort in the basement while listening to a thunderstorm track. The meditating and playtime possibilities are endless.

8. Scroll nature

If you’re going to be online, incorporate nature into your media by following accounts and pages that share amazing shots and videos of nature, wildlife and outdoor activities. Consider this time as research to get inspired by new adventures and activities when you get back out there. Relax by looking at photos of the depths of the oceans, wildlife in the desserts, or camping under the stars. Overload your feed with all things nature. Stay connected with local farmers, garden shops, florists, and state parks. Find online nature-based communities and become involved – this is a great way to also meet other like-minded parents in your area and make new friends. Incorporating nature into screen time is a great escape to beautiful places and a nice break from the daily grind.

9. Nature studies

Find a good nature study book or nature-based curriculum and follow along with the activities to learn new things about the outdoors. Set up a bird feeder outside your window and place a bird guide and binoculars next to it for easy access. Read about wildlife habitats, local flora and fauna, and study trail maps for hikes you’d like to go on. Learning about nature can be done through books when being outside to study isn’t possible. Learn about the plants that grow in your area and identify the trees in your neighborhood. Review animal track guide to figure out who made those footprints in your yard. There are so many ways to study nature on a daily basis that will inspire many adventures to come.

10. Garden dreams

It’s never too early to start planning your outdoor garden space and figuring out what you’ll plant this year. Use the time and preparations indoors to kickstart a thriving outdoor garden. Research what zone you’re in, what plants grow best there and when to start planting. Learn about soil types. Start indoor seedlings. Stroll through your local nursery to get ideas and ask questions. Collect planters and supplies during the offseason when things are on sale. Gardening can be a year-long adventure and a part of your routine every day. And when you’re ready, choose some easy vegetables to grow with kids and work on your garden together.

11. Find a sunny spot

Pay attention to the times of days when the sun is shining through the windows of your home and find that super sunny spot to warm yourself and soak in the sunshine. Set up tables in that spot, play areas or cozy sitting spaces. Add a comfy chair and some pillows and turn it into a reading nook. Rotate your houseplants in this sunny spot. Notice how the light changes in that location throughout the day and at different times of the year. During the perfect time of day, when the sun is shining through, sit, play, and enjoy it’s warmth.

12. Fresh flowers

Decorating your home with bouquets of fresh flowers are a wonderful way to incorporate nature into your daily indoor life. Grab a bouquet of cut flowers during your next grocery trip. Take time to hold each flower and smell its fragrance. Carefully trim off leaves and snip the end of the stems. Place all the flowers in a vase or spit them up into lots of smaller bouquets. Spread them throughout your home in places where you spend a lot of time: next to your bed, on the kitchen counter, or on a mantle. Seeing bright bouquets can bring so much freshness and happiness to your indoor space.

13. Nature-themed play

To keep your kids connected to nature while playing indoors, choose toys that incorporate nature into your children’s daily lives. Look for toys inspired by nature or made from natural materials like wood and stone. Create nature-themed sensory bins. Bring in bowls of snow for the kids to play with and eat! Paint on collected leaves, sticks and rocks. Use loose flowers and let them make their own arrangements, dissect them to see all of their parts or use them to make flower jewelry or crowns. Create little worlds of landscapes and leave animal figures inside. Creating natural themed play areas is so satisfying for parents and kiddos and will encourage them to be curious about the world outside.

14. Nature documentaries

When getting outside isn’t possible, take advantage of the vast selection of earth and natural wonder documentaries on your streaming services. These exciting series can take you to places you’ve never even heard of and introduce you to animals you never knew existed! Choose episodes of places you dream of going or wish to revisit. Watch as life cycles change, seasons pass, and animals travel. The calming voices and beautiful cinematography are captivating to all ages. Discuss what you see with little ones and ask them lots of questions about their favorites and interests. Use what you see to incorporate into play area themes, sounds, and journaling when you need a fresh perspective.

15. Display nature art

Displaying nature art on the wall of your home is another easy way to incorporate nature into your indoor space. Shop thrift stores and find vintage paintings of landscapes, wildlife, herbs, plants or other natural elements. Order canvases of photos of your kids/family on your latest adventure or enjoying nature. Purchase prints from your most admired nature photographer or a local artist. Display projects that you and your family have created together, such as pressed leaves or flowers. Switch them out through the season or with holiday decor.

16. Open the curtains

Bringing the outdoors in can be as simple as adding more light to your day. Make a morning ritual of opening the curtains and let the fresh light fill your space. This can be just as invigorating as your morning coffee and is a wonderful natural way to start your day. Bringing natural light into your home is so much better on your eyes, and aesthetically pleasing. More light will improve your mood and help your body adjust to the day.

17. Plan celebrations

There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate nature, the seasons and holidays. Plan celebrations around the changing of the season or the full moon. Plan a garden tea party or a May Day celebration in the middle of winter. Check out some of the more obscure holidays and plan a celebration around them, such as World Wetlands Day, World Bird Day, World Soil Day, International Mountain Day and World Animal Day. Craft natural decor, design invitations, and plan a fresh menu when you are needing some nature inspiration.

18. Indoor magic gardens

Kids love creating imaginative worlds, so play to that strength using natural elements. Painted rocks, figures, and tiny accessories can turn any potted plant into a magical world. Use your child’s favorite dinosaurs, fairies, or lego figures to create a magic forest around a plant and make it special to them. Adding whimsical touches into your house plants is an inviting way to add some more focus onto them. Choose one item and move it around regularly and make a game of who notices first.

19. Pressed flowers

Save flowers throughout the year from your bouquets, gardens, or dandelions given by kids. Find a couple of heavy books and press flowers inside sheets of wax paper. Wait a few days to reopen the pages to reveal a preserved flattened flower. These are delicate reminders of bright blooms that will lighten your space and bring back precious memories. Use the flowers in artwork and hang them on the wall. Glue them onto paper and create cards and stationery to send to friends and loved ones. Cut them up and use them to make an organic confetti mix.

20. Botanical baths

Finally, one last way to incorporate more nature into your daily life is to literally bathe in it! Fill your tub with bubbles, salts, scents of your choice and a sprinkle of fresh or dried flower petals. This is the perfect way to warm up after a long winter day. Unwind in a botanical bliss and transport yourself to a luxurious spa after the kids are in bed. The flower petals are a perfect touch of nature to a relaxing indoor bath.

Bringing nature indoors

These are just a few fun ways to incorporate more nature into your day. If you’re looking to make some changes and bring the outdoors in, I recommend starting small. Choose one thing from these ideas and grow from there. You do not have to be an outdoorsy naturalist to reap the amazing benefits of bringing nature into your daily routines. Look for moments to bring in small touches and add them all year long. You will appreciate them during long winter days and throughout the year. Especially on days when getting outdoors wasn’t feasible. Incorporating nature into your life is important for all ages and lifestyles and can add so much value to your days.

About the author

Jessica Jackson is a homeschooling mother of three. She currently has roots planted near Kansas City, Missouri where her and her family live, grow, and explore. Growing up in Colorado, Jessica has been an avid nature explorer, hiker, and camping enthusiast since childhood. She spent some time living in the Caribbean, exploring beaches, ocean life, and island landscapes before settling into motherhood. Jessica enjoys photographing, nature journaling, and sharing about her family’s adventures.

Instagram: @irieideas

benefits of nature

Connecting with nature

What is grounding?

Benefits of grounding for kids

Connection to the earth

Grounding ideas for kids

1. Barefoot nature walk

2. Hug a tree

3. Feet in the sand or submerge in water

4. Sit spot

5. Gardening

6. 5-4-3-2-1 game

Battling the excuses

Weather

Unsafe surfaces

Overcoming Nature Deficit Disorder

Grounding (earthing) with kids

About the author

Using nature as a tool

Teen mental health today

Factors affecting teen mental health

Screens

Traumatic experiences

Teen mental health and screens

Access to adult content

Social media

Social media can make teens less social

Social media shows teens what they’re missing

Teen expectations and exhaustion

A generational shift in stress

How nature plays a positive role in teen mental health

Sense of calmness

Confidence and self-esteem

Gratitude

Stress relief

Focus

Connection

How to use nature as a nurturer in the life of your teens

Keep it simple

Try new things outside

Let your teen lead the way

Encourage your teens to invite friends

The connection between teen mental health and nature

How do you help your teen get outside? Do you feel it helps?

About the author

From unremarkable to unbelievable

How the outdoors can help you fall in love with where you live

Finding local destinations/attractions

Follow local social media accounts

Look for events

Collect local and nearby travel brochures

Make lists

Save places on Google Maps

Find your people

Join groups on Facebook or MeetUp

Be bold and show up

Change your perspective

Consider what would make you happy

Take action

Change your attitude about the weather

Practice gratitude

What do you love about where you live?

About the author

Getting outside benefits my mental health, making me a better mom

Full disclosure about seeking help

Parenting is hard

The struggle of getting outdoors

Humans are designed for the outdoors

Getting away from distractions

Calming effects

Social outings in COVID times

How to get outside when you’re just not feeling it

Start small (with or without kids)

Make it easy

Be flexible and try to leave your ego at home

Try to catch sunrises and/or sunsets (especially with friends!)

Confidence in motherhood

Sources:

Do you find getting outside benefits your mental health?

About the author

How do you help your teen get outside?
Do you feel it helps?

How are YOU doing this year?
Are you and your family reconnecting with nature?
How can we help?